London Hospital Hate: Horrific ‘Zionism Is Poison’ Posters Removed
Posters labeled “Zionism is Poison” were removed from a London hospital after a Jewish patient’s complaint, highlighting a disturbing rise in antisemitism amid global tensions. The hospital’s swift action aims to ensure safety, while the incident reflects broader concerns about hate spreading through public spaces.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) has swiftly removed posters bearing the inflammatory slogan “Zionism is Poison” and references to Gaza from its premises following a complaint from a Jewish patient who felt “vulnerable and scared” upon encountering them. The signs, taken down last week, were brought to attention by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), prompting immediate action amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism. UCLH Chief Executive David Probert issued an apology, reaffirming the hospital’s dedication to inclusivity, and warned that disciplinary measures will be enforced if the culprits are identified. Security personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant for additional incidents.
The posters, which also promoted Instagram accounts linked to a Hamas operative according to the IDF, appeared in a facility close to significant Jewish communities, heightening concerns about targeted hostility. Caroline Turner, UKLFI’s director, praised the prompt response, stating, “UCLH is a major London hospital frequented by people from all of London’s diverse communities, but it’s particularly close to major north London Jewish communities. We welcome the hospital’s swift action to ensure all patients feel safe.” This incident follows a pattern of anti-Semitic acts, including public figures using their platforms to spread divisive narratives, often glossing over Hamas’s documented atrocities, such as the October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251, with 50 still held as of August 2025.
The removal underscores a broader struggle against the surge in antisemitism, where hospital spaces, meant for healing, become venues for hate, reflecting a new low for those exploiting trendy causes. UCLH’s proactive stance, including staff reminders against displaying political messages, aims to prevent future occurrences, though the incident has sparked outrage over the normalization of such rhetoric in public institutions.