NYU Langone Hospital gave a prestigious award to a Palestinian-American nurse, only to fire her shortly after for calling the Gaza conflict “genocide.” Reports suggest a systemic effort to quash pro-Palestinian sentiments among staff, creating a stifling and hostile environment for those with Palestinian heritage in the institution. Healthcare workers were silenced or faced consequences for expressing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the bombings and healthcare crisis in Gaza. The dismissal of the nurse, Hesen Jabr, was a part of the ongoing suppression of pro-Palestinian speech across NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
This issue highlights a double standard on freedom of expression, with Palestinians subjected to harassment and retaliation while others openly support Israeli military actions without consequences. NYU Langone’s actions have drawn criticism for ignoring Palestinian lives lost and stifling pro-Palestinian activism. The hospital’s refusal to protect the nurse, Jabr, impacted her mental and physical health, eventually leading to her dismissal.
NYU’s reputation has been tarnished, with alumni and activists condemning the censorship on Palestine. The underlying message is clear – human lives must be protected, even amid a conflict as devastating as the one in Gaza.