Advocate Health lab employee faces backlash for wearing “Palestine” sweater to work
An Advocate Health lab employee, who remains anonymous for fear of retaliation, has been asked to stop wearing a sweater that says “Palestine” to work. The employee, whose parents live in the West Bank, wore the sweater on days when they felt particularly challenged, as they have spent part of their childhood in the region and still have family there.
The request to stop wearing the sweater came in March, after the employee had worn it several times. According to the employee, the sweater represents their identity and heritage, but wearing it has caused tension in the workplace.
Yasser Said, an internal medicine doctor at Advocate hospitals, along with colleagues Thaer Ahmad and Tammy Abughnaim, have raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinian employees in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They believe there is a double standard in Advocate Health’s response to humanitarian crises, with more attention given to other global issues like the conflict in Ukraine.
Advocate Health, which serves a large Palestinian population in the United States, has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the concerns of its Palestinian employees. Despite calls for action and petitions with thousands of signatures, the health system has only made minimal efforts to address the situation.
The employees have organized protests and vigils to raise awareness about the issue and demand a more inclusive and supportive environment at Advocate Health. They believe that the health system has the power to make a positive impact by standing up for marginalized communities and addressing humanitarian crises effectively.
The employees are calling for a more compassionate and inclusive approach from Advocate Health, one that recognizes and supports the diverse backgrounds and identities of its workforce. They hope that by speaking out, they can bring about meaningful change within the organization and create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
