# EXCLUSIVE: Jewish physician wins religious exemption from union membership and fees over Israel stances

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/exclusive-jewish-physician-wins-religious-exemption-from-union-membership-and-fees-over-israel-stances/
- Published: 2026-11-11T23:18:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T00:39:19+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/media/exclusive-jewish-physician-wins-religious-exemption-from-union-membership-fees-over-israel-stances
- Topics: Middle East, World

## Key points

- Physician Jacob Agronin won an exemption from union membership and fees.
- He said paying the union conflicted with his Jewish beliefs.
- CIR’s Israel resolutions were central to the dispute.

## Summary

Dr Jacob Agronin, a physician at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, has received an exemption from joining or paying fees to his union after saying financial support for it conflicted with his Jewish religious beliefs. The decision matters because it resolves his challenge to a workplace agreement requiring covered staff to join the union or pay agency fees, and raises questions about religious accommodation when unions take political positions.

America First Legal brought Agronin’s case to the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), part of the Service Employees International Union, citing its support for the BDS movement and its resolutions criticising Israel. CIR confirmed in an 9 October letter that Agronin had not signed a membership card or paid dues, and that no fees would be deducted from his pay. The union says it represents more than 40,000 resident physicians and fellows; in May 2024, it adopted resolutions concerning Israel, including calls for a permanent ceasefire and an end to US military aid.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.