Who Is Dr. Tariq Hilal? The California Doctor Who Posted Antisemitic Remarks on Facebook
Dr. Tariq Hilal is a sports and spine physician practicing at South Coast Sports and Spine Medicine in Los Alamitos, California. He is also affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. He received his medical degree from College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and has been in practice between 11-20 years.
What did Dr. Tariq Hilal say on Facebook?
Dr. Hilal recently came under fire for posting antisemitic remarks on his personal Facebook account. In a series of comments, he expressed his support for the controversial rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, who has been accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and endorsing extremist groups.
Dr. Hilal wrote that Ye was “speaking the truth” and that “the Jews control the media, the banks, the education system, and the governments”. He also claimed that “the Holocaust was exaggerated” and that “Israel is a terrorist state that commits genocide against the Palestinians”. He added that “the Jews are the real Nazis” and that “they are behind the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccines”.
Los Alamitos, CA – Dr. Tariq Hilal is a board-certified sports and spine physician practicing at South Coast Sports and Spine Medicine.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 9, 2024
In his spare time, he refers to Israelis as “pigs”, “baby killers”, and compares Zionism to Nazism.
Jewish patients beware. pic.twitter.com/jznbr3SEDq
How did people react to his comments?
Dr. Tariq Hilal’s comments sparked outrage and condemnation from many people, including his patients, colleagues, and the Jewish community. Some of his patients said they were shocked and disgusted by his views and that they would no longer trust him with their health. Some of his colleagues said they were appalled and disappointed by his behavior and that they would report him to the medical board. Some of the Jewish organizations said they were alarmed and offended by his statements and that they would demand an apology and a retraction.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading Jewish civil rights group, issued a statement denouncing Dr. Hilal’s comments as “hateful, ignorant, and dangerous”. The ADL said that Dr. Hilal’s comments “reflect a deep-seated animosity towards Jews and a willingness to embrace antisemitic stereotypes and falsehoods”. The ADL also said that Dr. Hilal’s comments “undermine his credibility as a medical professional and a public figure” and that they “call into question his ability to treat his patients with respect and compassion”. The ADL urged Dr. Hilal to “immediately apologize and retract his comments” and to “educate himself on the facts and history of the Jewish people and the Holocaust”.
READ ALSO:- Who Is Wael Noman?
What are the consequences of his comments?
His comments have not only damaged his reputation and credibility, but also exposed him to potential legal and professional repercussions. According to the California Medical Board, Dr. Hilal’s comments could constitute unprofessional conduct and a violation of the Medical Practice Act, which states that physicians must uphold the ethics and standards of the medical profession. The board said that it would investigate Dr. Hilal’s case and determine the appropriate disciplinary action, which could range from a public reprimand to a license suspension or revocation.
Doctor Tariq’s comments could also trigger a civil lawsuit from his patients or the Jewish community, who could claim that he discriminated against them on the basis of their religion or ethnicity. According to the California Civil Code, Dr. Hilal’s comments could constitute hate speech and a hate crime, which are punishable by fines and imprisonment. The code states that anyone who “willfully injures, intimidates, interferes with, oppresses, or threatens any other person” because of their “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation” is guilty of a hate crime.
What has he done since his comments?
Dr. Hilal has not publicly apologized or retracted his comments, despite the backlash and criticism he has faced. He has also not responded to the requests for comment from the media or the Jewish organizations. He has, however, deleted his facebook account and made his other social media accounts private. He has also removed his name and photo from the website of his medical practice and the hospitals he is affiliated with. He has also reportedly taken a leave of absence from his work and gone into hiding.
What can we learn from his case?
His case is a reminder of the dangers and consequences of antisemitism and hate speech in our society. Antisemitism and hate speech are not only morally wrong and socially unacceptable, but also legally and professionally risky. They can harm not only the targeted groups, but also the perpetrators themselves. They can also fuel violence and extremism, and undermine democracy and human rights.
Tariq Hilal’s case is also an opportunity to educate ourselves and others on the facts and history of the Jewish people and the Holocaust, and to combat the myths and lies that fuel antisemitism and hate speech. We can also support the efforts of the Jewish organizations and the civil rights groups that work to protect and promote the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. We can also stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and the victims of antisemitism and hate speech, and speak out against any form of bigotry and intolerance.
