Israel must fight harder to keep its doctors in the country - editorial
Israel needs doctors. There are Jewish doctors around the world who may want to make Israel their home. Connecting the two is vital for a country that prides itself on solving difficult problems.
Israel is experiencing a sharp increase in the exodus of its medical professionals, with nearly 1,400 doctors leaving the country for over a year between 2023 and 2025, a 94% jump from the same period a decade ago, according to the Jerusalem Post. This trend is troubling for policymakers as it results in a net loss of about 509 doctors annually, nearly five times the average loss from the previous decade.
The government's priority is to understand the reasons behind this exodus and find ways to retain these valuable professionals. Israeli physicians operate under significant pressure, and the healthcare system must offer competitive conditions, career advancement opportunities, sufficient staffing, and a sense that young doctors can build their future careers in Israel.
To address this issue, Israel must adopt a two-pronged strategy: retention and recruitment. Retention efforts should focus on improving the working conditions and opportunities for Israeli doctors. Additionally, Israel should actively recruit Jewish doctors from around the world to come to Israel and make aliyah. The country has an International Medical Aliyah Program, spearheaded by Nefesh B'Nefesh in collaboration with the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, Health Ministry, and Jewish Agency, which aims to facilitate the immigration of 2,000 physicians by 2029 by simplifying the licensing process and helping doctors find suitable placements.
The government should expand and accelerate this initiative, removing barriers to recognizing foreign qualifications, expanding Hebrew language programs, assisting immigrants in finding placements, and providing practical support for families relocating to Israel. The government should also offer stronger incentives for immigrant doctors willing to practice in areas facing severe shortages, particularly in the North and South.
Historically, Israel has benefited from waves of immigration, such as the influx of doctors and nurses from the former Soviet Union, which significantly contributed to the country's medical, scientific, and technological advancements. Encouraging signs include over 1,100 North Americans making aliyah through Nefesh B'Nefesh in August 2025, with over 2,700 arriving since the beginning of the year, and the organization projecting more than 4,000 by the end of the year, including a substantial number of doctors and nurses.
Israel could capitalize on this by actively promoting itself as a desirable destination for Jewish doctors abroad, offering support in navigating licensing requirements, learning professional Hebrew, and connecting with hospitals and communities where their skills are needed.
However, this recruitment strategy should not replace efforts to improve conditions for Israeli doctors staying in the country. A successful healthcare strategy must attract both Israeli medical professionals considering aliyah and Jewish doctors abroad who might want to make Israel their new home. While aliyah should be viewed primarily as a means to fill labor shortages, it also offers opportunities for personal fulfillment, identity, family connections, and a sense of belonging.
Ultimately, Israel's need for doctors aligns with the aspirations of Jewish professionals worldwide, presenting a natural and compelling solution to the country's physician crisis.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
