Doctor fired for supporting terrorism amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict

In the United States, a significant incident occurred in March 2025 involving Dr. Lila Abassi, an assistant professor of medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. Reports surfaced detailing her support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which she publicly expressed through her social media accounts. The backlash began when her posts, where she referred to these groups as 'noble resistance and freedom fighters', drew attention and resulted in outrage among various community leaders and members of the public. Reacting to her statements, which included rejecting claims of mass rapes by Hamas and accusing Israel of committing genocide, City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov spearheaded the effort to investigate her qualifications and conduct as a physician treating a diverse population. This investigation eventually led to her termination from the hospital. Amidst this scandal, Abassi's reputation grew tarnished as colleagues described her as an outspoken figure with antisemitic views in medical circles. Her situation highlighted a broader national conversation about accountability and bias within the medical profession and sparked ongoing debates regarding the responsibilities of healthcare providers in politically charged environments. As tensions between the Israeli and Palestinian communities continue to escalate, such incidents underscore the need for physicians to uphold impartiality in treating their patients, irrespective of their beliefs or affiliations. Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding personal beliefs and professional ethics in an increasingly polarized society.