Who Is Dr. Ben Thomson? The Nephrologist Who Faced Suspension And Threats for His Pro-Palestinian Posts
Dr. Ben Thomson, a nephrologist at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, has been suspended from his job, threatened, and had his address shared online after he posted pro-Palestinian views on social media. His case has sparked a debate about free speech, academic freedom, and online harassment in the medical community and beyond.
What did Dr. Ben Thomson post on social media?
Dr. Thomson, a former associate professor in Queen’s Department of Medicine, has been sharing information and opinions on his X social media account, formerly known as Twitter, since the brutal attacks by militant group Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 and the ensuing Israeli bombing of Gaza. He has expressed his support for the Palestinian cause and criticized the Israeli government and its allies for their actions and policies.
One of his posts that garnered controversy among his colleagues and appears to have played a role in his suspension involves his reply to another X post by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs that claimed babies had been beheaded and women raped during the Hamas attack on several communities in southern Israel. Dr. Thomson wrote:
This is a lie. There is no evidence of any such atrocities. Stop spreading propaganda and hate. Palestinians are human beings who deserve dignity and justice. #FreePalestine
Another post that drew attention and backlash was his comment on a news article about the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who was widely regarded as a war criminal by many Palestinians and human rights activists. Dr. Thomson wrote:
Good riddance. The world is a better place without him. He was responsible for the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians in Sabra and Shatila. He should have been tried for his crimes against humanity. #JusticeForPalestine
How did the hospital and the public react to his posts?
Dr. Thomson’s posts did not go unnoticed by his colleagues, patients, and the public. Some of them agreed with his views and praised him for his courage and honesty. Others disagreed with him and accused him of being biased, ignorant, and anti-semitic. Some even went as far as to threaten him and his workplace with violence.
On Oct. 12, 2023, Mackenzie Health posted a statement on its Facebook and X accounts saying it is “addressing social media posts from a few physicians and staff that do not reflect our views or values as an organization.” Some Facebook comments in response to this post called for Dr. Thomson to be fired.
Internal emails seen by CBC News show that the doctor was handed a one-month suspension without pay the next day. But in a statement to CBC News, Mackenzie Health said that “it is false to suggest Dr. Thomson was suspended for his views,” without elaborating.
Dr. Ben Thomson is a nephrologist.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 31, 2023
Dr. Ben Thomson is a rape denier.
Dr. Ben Thomson was suspended without pay for one month by his employer, Mackenzie Health, but is back to seeing patients.
Imagine being a Jewish patient or colleague of Dr. Ben Thomson. pic.twitter.com/jQVDGlXDky
The health authority’s actions follow a number of complaints about the doctor’s social media posts by colleagues online who disagreed with him, according to several doctors at the hospital. They also follow a threat made to the hospital on Thursday, a spokesperson for Mackenzie Health said.
The threat was made over the phone and recorded by hospital staff. A copy of this recording was shared with CBC News. In the recording, a man’s voice is heard saying:
This message is for Dr. Ben Thomson. Remove your post regarding Israel. It is disgusting, you are a disgusting human being, you do not know what you’re saying, and if you do not remove it, I advise you and the rest of your staff to stay out of your office.
In addition to this threat, Dr. Thomson’s home address was posted on a website where patients can rate physicians, along with further threats. These posts have since been deleted after Dr. Thomson made a request to the website for their removal, but they have prompted a police investigation and forced Dr. Thomson to leave his home on the advice of police.
What did Dr. Thomson and the hospital say about the suspension and the threats?
Doctor Ben Thomson and the hospital have both issued statements about the suspension and the threats, which were shared by Mackenzie Health on Oct. 26, 2023.
In his statement, Dr. Thomson said one of his posts was an attempt at correcting what he viewed as misinformation and to “oppose language that was dehumanizing to Palestinians.”
That post was then retweeted and subsequently threats of violence were made against me and my colleagues at Mackenzie Health. I did not intend for these consequences when I posted on social media. I acknowledge the harm that was caused. These threats against me and Mackenzie Health are unacceptable.
He also said he respects the diversity of opinions and perspectives in the medical community and the public, and that he is committed to providing quality care to his patients regardless of their background or beliefs.
I have always been passionate about human rights and social justice issues, and I have expressed my views on various platforms over the years. I believe that as a physician and an academic, I have the right and the responsibility to speak out on matters of public interest and concern. I also respect the diversity of opinions and perspectives that exist in our society and in our profession, and I welcome constructive dialogue and debate. I have never let my personal views interfere with my professional duties and obligations, and I have always treated my patients with compassion and respect, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
In its statement, Mackenzie Health said it was an “unprecedented, temporary measure” to suspend Dr. Thomson for one month “to allow us to fully assess and address the real safety and security threats.”
We recognize that this decision has raised questions and concerns among some members of our community, and we want to assure you that we did not take this action lightly. We value and respect the diversity of views and opinions of our staff, physicians, and patients, and we support the right to freedom of expression. However, we also have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of everyone at Mackenzie Health, and we cannot tolerate any threats or acts of violence against our people or our facilities.
The hospital also said it is working with Dr. Thomson, York Regional Police, and “independent third-party security experts” to ensure his safe return to work.
What are the implications and the reactions to Dr. Thomson’s case?
Dr. Thomson’s case has sparked a debate about free speech, academic freedom, and online harassment in the medical community and beyond. Some have expressed their support and solidarity with Dr. Thomson, while others have condemned his views and actions.
A group of doctors, academics, and activists have launched a petition on Change.org, calling for the reinstatement of Dr. Thomson and the protection of his rights. The petition has gathered over 10,000 signatures so far. The petition states:
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the suspension of Dr. Ben Thomson, a nephrologist at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, for expressing his pro-Palestinian views on social media. We believe that this suspension is unjust, arbitrary, and politically motivated, and that it violates Dr. Thomson’s rights to freedom of expression and academic freedom. We also condemn the threats and harassment that Dr. Thomson and his colleagues have faced as a result of his posts. We stand in solidarity with Dr. Thomson and demand that he be reinstated immediately and that his safety and security be ensured.
On the other hand, some organizations and individuals have criticized Dr. Thomson and his supporters, accusing them of spreading anti-semitism and misinformation. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the organization that Dr. Thomson replied to in his controversial post, issued a statement on its website, saying:
We are appalled by the hateful and inflammatory comments made by Dr. Ben Thomson, a nephrologist at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, on social media. Dr. Thomson has repeatedly demonized Israel and its supporters, and has shown a blatant disregard for the facts and the truth. His posts are not only offensive and divisive, but also dangerous and irresponsible, especially coming from a medical professional who is supposed to uphold the highest standards of ethics and care. We urge Mackenzie Health to take appropriate action against Dr. Thomson and to ensure that he does not use his position or platform to spread anti-semitism and misinformation.
Dr. Thomson’s case has also raised questions about the role and responsibility of social media platforms in moderating and regulating online content and discourse. Some have argued that X and other platforms should do more to prevent and remove hate speech, incitement, and harassment, while others have warned that such measures could lead to censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
