With a Keffiyeh and a Blood-Stained Hand Symbol: Doctor's Anti-Israel Protest Sparks Outrage, Community Asks, "How Will She Treat a Jewish Child?"
During a medical school graduation ceremony at the University of California, San Diego, a future pediatrician displayed a flag bearing an anti-Israel message. Local Jewish community members and physicians' organizations have contacted the institution where she is expected to begin her residency in Minnesota.
By Hagar Amgar
Morgan Chalmers, a medical student at UC San Diego, sparked controversy after waving a Palestinian flag during her graduation ceremony. Chalmers, who is expected to begin a pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota, held a flag reading "Divest from Death" and wore a keffiyeh featuring a red-hand symbol. The incident prompted strong criticism from members of the Jewish community and medical organizations, which expressed concerns about how she might treat Jewish patients.
In a letter sent by the Jewish Medical Association, the organization stated that many in the Jewish community view the red-hand symbol as one associated with violence and extremist acts against Jews. The association emphasized that "medical professionals are expected to provide equal care to patients from all backgrounds" and that "the public display of hostile symbols undermines confidence in the physician's ability to treat Jewish families with dignity and equality."
Faculty members who were present on stage during the ceremony reportedly did not object to the student's actions, and some even applauded. One university faculty member, who requested anonymity, was quoted in the letter as saying: "Using this platform in this way is offensive and inappropriate. It sends a message that this is no longer an environment where everyone is equally welcome or able to feel safe. She walked across the stage proudly and joyfully, which raises serious concerns about how she will treat Jewish children under her care."
Future Doctor's Response: "Proud to Join the Struggle"
Chalmers addressed the incident on social media, writing that she was proud to join thousands of students calling for an end to what she described as the university's "institutional partnership in Israel's occupation of Palestine."
In response, members of the Jewish community contacted the leadership of the Minnesota medical institution where she is expected to train. The letter urged administrators to review the case and examine questions related to professionalism, inclusivity, and the ability to care for patients from all communities without discrimination. "My concern is not based on the student's political views," the letter stated. "It is based on conduct that I believe may affect her ability to build trust among members of the Jewish community."
Community members also reported that Chalmers has regularly shared strongly anti-Israel content online. Among the allegations was that she participated in social media posts identifying Jewish students at UC San Diego by name, alongside video footage of them, and calling for their identification.