Winnipeg police are investigating after antisemitic rhetoric was yelled at staff and patients during HSC’s Menorah lighting on Monday.
Health Sciences Centre Chief Operating Officer, Monika Warren, the HSC Executive Team, and Shared Health Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Christodoulou, said in a statement that during the event, an individual disrupted the lighting ceremony by shouting antisemitic hate speech at those gathered to celebrate.
“This behaviour was unacceptable and has no place in our facility and community,” said Warren, the executive team and Christodoulou. “We extend our sincerest apologies to everyone who was present and acknowledge the real pain, fear, and trauma that such hateful words can cause, particularly during what should have been a moment of peace, reflection, and celebration.
“At Shared Health and its facilities, we unequivocally condemn any form of racism, hate, and discrimination. Such behaviour has no place in healthcare or in our communities.”
They said they are taking this incident extremely seriously and have reported it to the Winnipeg Police Service, who have taken over the investigation.
Shared Health is encouraging anyone impacted by this event to seek support in these resources:
- Critical Incident Stress Response (CISR) or Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Event (PPTE) Support
- Coping After a Stressful Event (Printable PDF): English | French
- Resources For Clinicians
Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, says that HSC is a facility that is proud of its Jewish staff and patient community, and a place where all faiths are welcome.
We should all feel safe as we practice our faith or celebrate holidays together as a community.
“Antisemitism has no place in our healthcare system. It has no place anywhere in Manitoba,” said Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health. “We should all feel safe as we practice our faith or celebrate holidays together as a community.”
Asagwara says her department has also reached out to the Winnipeg Police Service and security services at HSC to work with them to offer support for future Hanukkah events on campus.
