Dublin: Doctor Berates Jewish Woman for ‘Genocide’ in Clinic

By Danielle Arfin

A Jewish woman in Dublin has alleged that during a critical high-risk prenatal appointment at the National Maternity Hospital, a clinician subjected her to antisemitic harassment by lecturing her about Israel and “genocide” instead of focusing on her urgent medical needs. The woman, identified in social media posts as Brandy C. Mendez, said she had been diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, a serious condition that can endanger the life of a baby, when the doctor allegedly turned her consultation into a political tirade. In a video she later posted, Mendez described sitting on the examination table as the doctor accused her of complicity in genocide and demanded she reflect on Israel’s actions in Gaza. She said she felt shocked, humiliated, and unsafe, and ultimately walked out, refusing further care from that provider.

The hospital has since acknowledged the incident. In a letter sent to Mendez, the National Maternity Hospital admitted that “inappropriate comments” were made during her consultation and issued an apology. Screenshots of the letter were shared online, and media outlets including The J.ca reported that the apology came from senior staff. While the hospital has not stated whether a formal investigation or disciplinary action is underway, the apology itself amounts to an admission that professional standards were breached.

Jewish advocacy groups have described the episode as appalling and deeply dangerous, warning that it represents antisemitism infiltrating one of the most sacred spaces in society: medical care. Commentators have noted that this incident reflects a broader climate in which hatred of Israel is increasingly spilling over into hatred of Jewish people, even in places where compassion and neutrality should be non-negotiable. A recent European Union report found that antisemitic incidents have surged across Europe since October 2023, fueling fears that Jewish individuals are facing hostility even in spaces where they should be safe.

Under the Irish Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics, doctors are required to treat patients with respect, avoid discrimination, and never allow personal views to interfere with patient care. While the hospital’s apology used the word “inappropriate” rather than “discriminatory,” many Jewish observers see what happened as an unmistakable act of antisemitic harassment. That such rhetoric could be directed at a Jewish mother fighting to protect her unborn child has been described by some as not only unethical but morally unconscionable.

The exact wording of what was said has not been independently verified, and the clinician involved has not issued a public statement. Nevertheless, the combination of Mendez’s testimony and the hospital’s official apology has drawn widespread attention. The incident has ignited outrage and soul-searching over how a patient could be made to feel attacked and endangered while seeking life-saving medical care.

For Mendez, the experience was harrowing, but her decision to speak publicly has ensured it will not be swept aside or hidden. For the National Maternity Hospital, the episode stands as a stark warning: Jewish patients deserve not only competent care, but care free from hate, suspicion, and the poison of antisemitic prejudice.