Arrived at the health fund in a tank top - and was asked to cover up: "It took me time to realize it wasn't okay"

Mika-Li Meir, 21, was referred by the Leumit Health Fund for routine tests at a branch in the city of Modi'in Illit. Thinking she was heading to the city of Modi'in, Mika-Li arrived for her appointment in a tank top. Upon arrival, staff members asked her to cover up, even providing her with a medical gown.

In an interview with 'Hadashot HaBoker' (Morning News), Mika-Li recounted the incident, admitting that it took her time to realize in real-time that the request was not legitimate.

"If I had known, I probably would have decided to dress differently, but I didn't know. I arrived there, tried to arrange the referrals, and they asked that next time I come more modestly dressed," she said. "They said they would bring me a gown to put on, and it's a situation where there is not much choice but to agree. It was not pleasant or appropriate."

— Did you say anything to anyone on the staff?

— No, I was naive. I normalized the fact that they commented on my attire, thinking I should show respect because of the location. But there is no dress code in health funds, and I am supposed to receive treatment regardless of my clothing.

— When did you realize it wasn't okay?

— There was something in me that wasn't sure it was okay. I uploaded a picture to Instagram and was told it wasn't appropriate. A friend told me to film a video, and when I left, I had a conversation with someone I value who said it wasn't okay.

— Did you contact them?

— It's an ultra-Orthodox settlement; women come there with their partners, and I stood out. But the health fund is public, not theirs. Making comments to women in a public space is not acceptable. I normalized it because I wanted to be respectful, but they shouldn't force it on me. My friends and I reacted in shock to what happened; my friends were more shocked than I was. It took me time to understand how not okay it is. One of the doctors approached me and asked if I was okay wearing the gown, and I told her yes. I preferred to feel uncomfortable in the gown, even though I still felt that they were looking at me.

My lesson, and what I wanted to convey in the video, is that it is possible to say no. You are worthy of treatment no matter how you are dressed.

Leumit Health Fund statement: "We apologize for the incident and are working to ensure that such an incident does not recur."