A Jewish doctor at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia successfully obtained a religious exemption from union membership and fees. Dr. Jacob Agronin was able to secure this accommodation after challenging a requirement to financially support a union that he argued went against his religious beliefs. America First Legal (AFL) brought the issue to the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1957, seeking exemption for Agronin from union fees and membership.
The union’s policies on Israel, which include backing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, were cited by AFL as contrary to Agronin’s beliefs. The union’s collective bargaining agreement with Temple University Hospital required employees to either join the union or pay agency fees, according to AFL.
[Agronin] wasn’t objecting to the union’s right to political speech,” said Megan Redshaw, counsel for AFL, in an interview with Fox News Digital. “The union can have whatever views it wants to have. However, when the union imposes its views in the workplace and that affects the people that work at that organization, this becomes a Title VII issue.”
Redshaw emphasized that Agronin believed any financial support to the union would breach his religious principles. Despite excluding political activities from his payments, he maintained his stance. In an Oct. 9 letter, the union confirmed it granted the accommodation, stating Agronin had neither signed a membership card nor paid dues. No fees will be deducted from his paycheck, and he is not required to be a union member.
Agronin’s request cited “Jewish law and Jewish beliefs” to justify his non-support of the union’s policies. The CIR, which represents over 40,000 resident physicians, promotes residency training, patient care, and healthcare access.
Redshaw accused the CIR of utilizing members’ dues for political and ideological initiatives unbeknownst to those joining the union. The union, on the other hand, advocates for improved pay and working conditions.
In May 2024, CIR adopted resolutions titled “Housestaff for Human Rights” and “Housestaff Against Apartheid.” These resolutions established standards to refrain from endorsing candidates supported by the Israel lobby and called to end military aid to Israel while supporting the BDS movement.
Following Hamas’s attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, CIR expressed shock and condemnation of the violence in a statement issued on Nov. 7, 2023. The union urged the Biden administration and Congress to restore essential resources to Gaza, demand the release of hostages, and call for an immediate ceasefire.
In May 2026, Agronin testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee regarding “Bad Medicine: Politics, Unions, and Antisemitism in Healthcare.” He acknowledged parts of the statement concerning mourning the casualties and condemning antisemitism but objected to the lack of mention of Hamas, uncritical citation of casualty figures, and the perceived equivalency of Israeli and Palestinian casualties.
Redshaw mentioned the potential for other physicians with similar religious objections to seek full exemptions from union involvement. Depending on state laws, individuals might obtain a complete religious accommodation, objecting to any union membership.
The CIR and Temple University Hospital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rachel Wolf serves as a media and culture reporter for Fox News Digital.