Shared Health reviewing safety protocols after hate-filled tirade at HSC Hanukkah event

Shared Health will review safety protocols during cultural events within health facilities, after people celebrating Hanukkah at the Health Sciences Centre were subjected to hate speech.

A group of about 10 people was mingling before an annual menorah-lighting ceremony at the hospital Monday, when a stranger approached and launched into a racial tirade, said a Jewish physician who witnessed the incident and spoke to the Free Press on condition of anonymity.

“He walked right up to the group and joined the circle, and he said to us, ‘Oh, is this the meeting of the genocidal terrorist organization?’” she said.

“We were all just a little bit stunned and didn’t say anything at all because we didn’t know how to take that.”

The doctor initially thought the person was attempting to make a joke in poor taste, but then he repeated the comment before he “just went off and started screaming,” she said.

Over the span of a few minutes, the man unleashed a torrent of swear words, slurs and obscene gestures before storming away from the group while yelling, “Free Palestine,” she said.

Security staff were initially slow to respond to the incident, but attempted to follow the man after the physician and others repeatedly flagged them down for help. The man left the hospital and police were contacted.

The Winnipeg Police Service confirmed it has launched an investigation.

The outburst was witnessed by doctors, allied health staff, medical residents and others. The physician said she stepped away for a moment and cried in private before returning to check on the group.

The incident left her feeling unsafe in the hospital, where she has worked and volunteered for decades, she said.

“To be singled out and violated in such a way, screamed at, in a place where you go to help people and where you are supposed to feel safe… that’s a really hard thing to process.”

At the time of the ceremony, Shared Health did not have policies requiring a police presence or dedicated security at cultural celebrations and community events held on hospital property.

“We acknowledge that those policies did not fully reflect the level of concern we now recognize is necessary, and we are actively reviewing our approach to ensure that future events can proceed in an environment of safety, peace and celebration for all participants,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“We are taking this matter very seriously and are moving forward with a comprehensive review of safety protocols for cultural and community events in our facilities.”

The doctor credited Shared Health and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara for responding swiftly to the incident and offering support. She has spoken with the minister, and with leadership from Shared Health and the HSC security team.

“It sounds like this has really helped them to eye some deficits in their own procedures,” she said. “I am hopeful that a lot of good will come from this. I am sad that this is what the world has come to, but it’s also in line with what the Jewish community has been dealing with for a very long time.”

A Hanukkah reception slated to take place at the Manitoba Legislature Friday morning was cancelled on Thursday owing to scheduling difficulties. Premier Wab Kinew instead planned to join a community menorah-lighting event at the Asper Jewish Community Centre at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca