Health with Susan Pearce, NSW Secretary of Health

What does respectful healthcare look like in a system as diverse as ours? In this episode, Rabbi Mendel Kastel speaks with Susan Pearce, NSW Secretary of Health, about how antisemitism and cultural bias can show up in subtle, but significant, ways across healthcare settings. We explore the challenges patients may face in hospitals and clinics, from miscommunication and misunderstanding to moments of deep vulnerability, and how the health system is responding. Susan shares her vision for creating safer, more culturally informed healthcare environments, the vital role of chaplaincy and spiritual care, and the importance of community partnerships like Jewish House in bridging gaps between identity, trauma, and treatment. Together, we unpack what it means to feel seen, heard, and supported in moments of crisis, and what allies and institutions can do to make that a reality.To access support, and explore more resources, visit navigatingantisemitism.org.au.