Belgian Doctor Lists 'Jewish' As Medical Issue In 9-Year-Old's Record

A 9-year-old Jewish girl treated at AZ Zeno Campus Hospital in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, had "Jewish (Israeli)" recorded as a medical problem in her emergency file by the attending radiologist, Dr. Qasim Arkawazy. This entry has been widely condemned as blatant antisemitism and a severe violation of medical ethics by Jewish organizations and the European Jewish Council, prompting calls for immediate disciplinary action against the doctor. Investigations revealed that Arkawazy, an Iraqi-born Shi’ite Muslim, has a history of antisemitic posts on social media, including hateful imagery targeting Hasidic Jews. The incident has raised concerns about a broader pattern of antisemitism in European medical institutions since October 7, with Jewish patients increasingly uneasy about disclosing their identity. Complaints have been filed with Belgian law enforcement and medical authorities, with demands for the doctor's dismissal and stronger measures against hatred in healthcare. The case has sparked a public outcry highlighting the urgent need for cultural sensitivity training and accountability within the Belgian healthcare system.