A Sabbath-observant New Jersey doctor, who received a nomination letter for the degree of Fellow from a prestigious professional medical association, sent in her response form and payment, which was received on time. In addition, she included a letter of explanation that, because of her religious obligations, she would be unable to attend the ceremony, which fell on Shabbos.
Unfortunately, the doctor then received a subsequent letter from the association stating that the designation of Fellow could not be granted to any nominee without their physical attendance at the ceremony. The doctor attempted to explain the situation to the association’s Executive Director, but it was no use. She was given the option to attend the following year’s ceremony, or the ceremony the year after that, but assured that the degree must be imparted in person, or not at all. Further, it was made clear that each year’s awards ceremony only took place on a Friday night. The organization would not budge.
So the doctor contacted Assemblyman Dov Hikind.
Assemblyman Hikind contacted the association and explained that Sabbath observance is not optional for an observant, Orthodox Jew. With the exception of life or death matters, Hikind explained, the doctor was strictly forbidden to travel or attend ceremonies on any Sabbath or major holiday according to her religious beliefs.
“Considering that your organization regarded the doctor worthy of this honor, it hardly seems correct to penalize her for religious beliefs and prohibit her inclusion as a Fellow. Such an action from such an admirable organization as yours would certainly send the wrong message. As such, I am reaching out to you personally in the hope that you can set the matter straight for all those involved.”
It wasn’t long before the medical association saw the error of their ways and granted the doctor her Fellowship honor.
“One would think that in 2014, these types of issues wouldn’t even arise,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Why should this doctor even need to contact my office? Subtle forms of discrimination—regardless of whether or not they are intentional—cannot be tolerated. It’s truly unfortunate that people still have to still fight these types of battles in New York and New Jersey. Of course, at the end of the day, I’m happy that this organization did the right thing.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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6 Responses
We must remember that we are still in golus, as easy at it may seem at times.
Great job with the misleading headline!! Keep up the great reporting!
The organization would have been required to so a financial hardship by the person’s non-attendance. In fact, it probably saves them some money (refreshment costs?). Legally it was a no-brainer.
#1 This is not a golus issue,,, there is separation of church and state, human rights and religious freedoms. An observant religious person (from whatever denomination) can not be discriminated against because of religious behavior.
Thank you Dov, for helping our religious community, time after time. You are the door to knock on when help is needed!
That was pretty diplomatic and boot-licking for Mr Hikind. I am amazed at his persuasive restraint.I would have reverted to the obvious: I.E. This is illegal and maybe you want to reconsider before it goes public? I have seen that action work in similar situations, BTW.
The doctor is from New Jersey and she contacted Hikind? Don’t they have politicians looking for publicity there too?