A government-ordered review found that Jewish staff and patients in the National Health Service often hide their religious identity and suffer in silence.
The findings highlight a systemic failure to protect Jewish individuals within the UK's healthcare system, suggesting that routine ostracism has forced many to conceal their faith to avoid harassment.
Lord John Mann, who was appointed by the Prime Minister to lead the antisemitism and racism review, said that Jewish staff and patients are suffering in silence and need to be able to be open about their faith. The review, which was commissioned in 2025 [1], indicates that the health service must address these gaps in inclusivity to ensure a safe environment for all.
Mann said that Jewish staff feel they have to hide their religion at work. To combat this, the review calls on the NHS to act as a responsible and inclusive employer. This includes a specific recommendation to restrict the use of political symbols, such as pro-Palestine badges, on staff uniforms.
According to the report, the prevalence of such symbols in the workplace contributes to an environment where Jewish employees and patients feel marginalized. Mann said the NHS must be a responsible and inclusive employer to reverse this trend.
The review was launched to investigate and address antisemitism and other forms of racism across the health service. It concludes that the current atmosphere has led to a culture of silence among Jewish community members interacting with the NHS.
“Jewish staff and patients are suffering in silence and need to be able to be open about their faith.”
This review signals a shift in how the UK government intends to manage political expression within public services. By linking the presence of political symbols on uniforms to the marginalization of Jewish staff, the report suggests that neutrality in the workplace is a prerequisite for inclusivity and the prevention of antisemitism.
