The event was part of a national initiative led by the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Health and Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, to tackle the severe shortage of medical professionals in Israel.
Los Angeles—Dozens of Jewish doctors, many planning to make aliyah, gathered in Los Angeles on Dec. 8 for the inaugural MedEx LA fair. The event was part of the newly founded International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), created through a collaboration of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Health and Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel.
The MedEx LA event was held for the first time on the U.S. West Coast, aiming to streamline the immigration process for medical professionals, ensuring their ability to integrate into Israel’s medical workforce upon arrival in Israel.
MedEx is a vital component of a nationwide initiative launched to address the critical shortage of health-care professionals in Israel, as identified by the World Health Organization and OECD.
The initiative aspires to bring 2,000 Jewish doctors to Israel within five years, focusing on recruitment while providing personalized assistance for those looking to move to Israel, become part of its health system, and acclimate into communities throughout Israel. Key partners include the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience; the Marcus Foundation; the Gottesman Foundation; and the Jewish Federation of North America.
Building on the success of recent MedEx events in London, Paris, Buenos Aires and New Jersey, MedEx LA represents another step towards recruiting Jewish doctors and medical professionals from diverse communities worldwide. Plans are underway to expand it to other global destinations to further integrate Jewish medical talent into Israel’s health-care system.
At MedEx LA, attendees engaged with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Health and Medical Directorate to discuss licensing, job opportunities and relocation grants. Representatives from various health insurance funds and hospitals, such as Ichilov, Hadassah, Clalit and the Northern Medical Center, conducted real-time job interviews, further enabling a smoother integration into the workforce upon their arrival. A special emphasis was placed on employment opportunities in Israel’s periphery, supported by new grant programs from the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience; and the T’kuma government administration in the Gaza Envelope.
“Together with our partners in the various government ministries, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and the Jewish Agency, we are working to strengthen our health-care system, with a focus on the Negev and Galilee,” said Knesset member Ofir Sofer, Israel’s minister of aliyah and integration. “The MedEx events provide an important platform to encourage doctors to make aliyah while offering assistance in navigating the process. It is heartwarming to see the significant interest from doctors, in particular, and by Jews, in general, to make aliyah during this time of war. This is a profound expression of Zionism and a demonstration of solidarity with the citizens of Israel.”
“Our MedEx events reflect our shared commitment to addressing Israel’s health-care needs while empowering Jewish medical professionals in their aliyah journeys,” said Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “These medical professionals are embarking on a transformative path that will enrich their lives and strengthen Israel’s health-care system. And as such, we are committed to ensuring that their aliyah and integration processes are as smooth and successful as possible.”
Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, said that “the deep partnership with world Jewry has a tremendous contribution to the State of Israel. I welcome this important initiative and hope it will lead to the aliyah of many Jews. Aliyah is a growth engine, as well as the integration of more Jews into the actions and endeavors of the State of Israel, in medicine and other fields, is an essential part of its rebuilding and development.”
An aliyah fair was held alongside MedEx LA for hundreds of people considering immigrating to Israel. Organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and the Jewish Agency for Israel, it hosted more than 350 potential newcomers.
Attendees benefited from a variety of information and advisory services about life in Israel and had the opportunity to meet with various professionals to help advance their immigration process. In addition, participants were able to engage with professionals who provided fingerprinting and notary services required for the immigration process. The fair featured a range of workshops and lectures on various topics—all focusing on the aliyah and absorption process in Israel, rights and benefits, employment and more.
CONTACT:
Miki Dubery
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