JNS
The Jewish state hopes to see 2,000 doctors immigrate over the next five years.
More than 300 European doctors and medical students who have voiced interest in making aliyah gathered at a conference in Paris on Sunday, as Israel seeks to facilitate the immigration process for medical professionals amid a critical shortage in physicians.
The second annual French event was held as part of an Israeli plan to bring 2,000 physicians to the Jewish state over next five years.
“Hundreds of doctors and medical students from the Jewish world have already chosen to make aliyah and contribute their professional experience to hospitals in Israel, particularly in the Galilee and Negev,” said Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer. “Immigrating during a time of war is not only an expression of Zionism—it's a clear statement of strength, unity and solidarity.”
About 25% of the participants at the second annual MedEx France event were medical students in the advanced stages of their studies, who expressed a clear interest in establishing their professional future in Israel.
Since the beginning of 2024, some 650 doctors from around the world have immigrated to Israel.
"The State of Israel needs high-quality doctors and medical teams in the Negev and Galilee now more than ever,” said Minister for the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf. “Every doctor who makes aliyah is a great gift to the country, especially when they choose to settle in the Negev or Galilee, where the shortage of doctors is felt the hardest.”
This gathering, which was attended by doctors and medical students from France, Belgium and Switzerland, is part of the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), a quasi-governmental initiative to streamline the professional integration process for doctors making aliyah carried out in partnership with the Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation, the Washington D.C.-based Gottesman Fund and the Jewish Federations of North America.
Similar events were held for the first time last year in Buenos Aires, London and Los Angeles.
"We will continue to invest, expand and support the absorption and absorption paths of every doctor who chooses to immigrate and be partners in the future of the health of the people of Israel," saidIsraeli Health Minister Uriel Buso.
“These future olim will bring to Israel exceptional skills coupled with a deep sense of purpose, and their contributions will make a meaningful difference to the country," said Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh.
