London Hospital Apologizes as ‘Zionism is Poison’ Poster Targets Jewish Patients

University College London Hospital (UCLH) has issued a formal apology after anti-Israel posters proclaiming “Zionism is Poison” were found in its neurology wing on August 18, 2025, prompting accusations of harassment against Jewish patients. The posters, which also falsely accused Israel of “starving and killing Palestinians in Gaza,” were condemned for creating a hostile environment in violation of the UK’s 2010 Equality Act.

A Jewish outpatient, who remained anonymous, expressed distress, stating, “I’m an outpatient, but God forbid in other circumstances to feel so vulnerable already and be surrounded by hostility would be so scary. I shouldn’t have to remove my Star of David necklace to go to a hospital visit.” The incident, occurring amid a 140% surge in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK since 2023, per the Community Security Trust, heightened fears among London’s Jewish community, particularly in areas like Euston close to significant Jewish populations.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) intervened, sending a letter to UCLH leadership asserting that the posters “created an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Jewish and Israeli patients.” UKLFI director Caroline Turner wrote, “Any patient visiting the hospital is already feeling in a vulnerable condition, and it feels extremely cruel to subject them to something that would further increase their stress.” She added, “Zionism is the belief in a Jewish state of Israel, and in self-determination for the Jewish people. Denying the Jewish people self-determination is anti-Semitic, according to the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.”

UCLH Chief Executive David Probert responded swiftly, apologizing “for the distress and upset caused” and confirming the posters’ immediate removal. He stated, “At UCLH, we value diversity and inclusivity, and we are committed to providing a fair and non-discriminatory service to all individuals, regardless of background. This matter was immediately treated as an incident, and all the posters were removed without delay. Senior members of staff conducted a walk-around to ensure no further posters remained.” UCLH reinforced its policy against political messaging through staff newsletters and instructed security to remain vigilant. The posters, which promoted Instagram accounts including one linked to a Hamas operative per IDF intelligence, reflect a broader trend of anti-Semitic rhetoric in public spaces, as seen in recent controversies involving pro-Palestinian activism.