Segregated Maternity Wards in Hospitals Causes a Stir

Israel Radio Reshet Bet reports that a number of hospitals in Israel discriminate in maternity wards, and this is contrary to Health Ministry law. Correspondent Dikla Aaron phoned hospitals as a pregnant mom to probe their policy.

The report includes a phone call to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital during which we hear a mother-to-be (Reshet Bet reporter) asking if the hospital provides separate rooms for Jewish and Arab mothers. The female voice on the phone assured the caller this is the hospital policy and this is done even if a mother does not request it, especially in the maternity ward. The woman on the phone added “it works both ways as they too request it at times, albeit not as often” but this is the policy.

Hospitals which reportedly separate Jewish and Arab moms in a maternity wards include Ichilov, Meir, Hadassah (both) and Shaare Zedek. Soroka and Rambam Hospitals told the caller they cannot accommodate such a request.

Reshet Bet adds that the Health Ministry prohibits discrimination of any type.

When asked to comment, the hospitals mentioned explain they try to accommodate if they can but this is not hospital policy.

MK (Bayit Yehudi) Betzalel Smotrich responded angrily to the “left-wing report”, explaining “My wife is not a racist in any form but after delivering a child she appreciates quiet and not the family stir that accompanies Arab women after they give birth. She also does not wish to hear Arab prayer all day”.

MK (Arab Bloc) Dr. Ahmed Tibi responded, decrying the obvious racism that exists in Israeli society and the need to address this. Some MKs from the left-wing also condemned Smotrich’s comments.

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