Who Is Anat Milman? The Israeli Cardiologist Tho Sparked Outrage with her Islamophobic Tweet
Anat Milman is a cardiologist and clinical electrophysiologist who works at the Sheba Medical Center and teaches at the Tel Aviv University in Israel. She is also an avid runner and cyclist who participates in various sports events. However, she recently came under fire for posting some controversial and Islamophobic comments on social media, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
What did Anat Milman say?
On October 9, 2023, Milman posted a tweet that read: “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand why we have to be tolerant of people who want to kill us. They are not human, they are animals. And animals should be treated accordingly.” She added a hashtag #IsraelUnderAttack, referring to the rocket attacks from Hamas that killed over 1200 Israelis.
On December 29, 2023, Anat Milman tweeted another controversial tweet “Palestinian civilians in Gaza are helping Hamas . There are no innocent people in Gaza!!!!!”. Check here:-
Palestinian civilians in Gaza are helping Hamas . There are no innocent people in Gaza!!!!! https://t.co/AS7Dao5DxE
— Anat Milman (@MilmanAnat) December 29, 2023
The tweet sparked outrage and criticism from many people, who accused her of being racist, hateful, and ignorant. Some pointed out that her words were similar to those of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who called Hamas militants “human animals” two days earlier. Others reminded her that Palestinians are also human beings who suffer from oppression, violence, and injustice.
How did she respond?
Milman did not delete her tweet or apologize for it. Instead, she defended her stance and argued with some of her critics. She claimed that she was not against Muslims in general, but only against those who support terrorism and violence. Anat Milman also said that she had many Muslim friends and colleagues, and that she respected their religion and culture.
However, her responses did not convince or appease many people, who continued to condemn her for her Islamophobic views. Some even called for her to be fired from her job or banned from participating in sports events. They said that she was unfit to be a doctor or a teacher, and that she was spreading hatred and division.
What are the consequences?
As of now, there is no official statement from the Sheba Medical Center or the Tel Aviv University regarding Milman’s tweet or her status as an employee or a faculty member. However, some sources suggest that she may face disciplinary action or investigation for violating the code of ethics or the social media policy of her institutions.
On the other hand, some sports organizations have already taken action against her. The Israel Cycling Federation announced that it had suspended her membership and revoked her license to compete in cycling events. The Israel Athletics Association also said that it had removed her from the national team and disqualified her from representing Israel in any international competitions.
"…We don't want [Palestinians] as neighbours anymore"
— Stop Zionist Hate (@StopZionistHate) January 1, 2024
"…There are no innocent people in Gaza"
"Only Islam can can burn babies, kill children, kidnap children, rape women…"
– Anat Milman, Cardiologist in Israel pic.twitter.com/W1efrrG10h
What are the implications?
Anat Milman’s tweet and the backlash it generated reflect the deep-rooted and complex issues of Islamophobia, racism, and intolerance in Israel and beyond. They also raise questions about the role and responsibility of medical professionals, academics, and athletes in promoting peace, dialogue, and coexistence, especially in times of conflict and crisis.
Milman’s case is not the first or the only one of its kind. There have been many other instances of public figures making Islamophobic or anti-Semitic comments or actions, both in Israel and in other countries, such as the US, Australia, and India. These incidents have often led to violence, discrimination, and polarization, affecting the lives and rights of millions of people.
Therefore, it is important to address and challenge such expressions of hatred and bigotry, and to educate and empower people to respect and appreciate the diversity and dignity of all human beings, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or nationality.
