Nefesh B'Nefesh, renowned for facilitating the aliyah of North American healthcare professionals, has announced the expansion of its medical initiative globally.
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Following a successful US MedEx event on March 10, the organization will launch its first European MedEx in Paris on March 31, 2024, under the International Medical Aliyah Program. In collaboration with Israel's ministries of Aliyah, Integration, and Health, this initiative aims to ease immigration for medical professionals, targeting 2,000 physicians in five years. "
"The program, supported by The Marcus Foundation and others, provides comprehensive resources worldwide," the organization said in a statement. "Nefesh B'Nefesh signed a multi-year agreement with Israel's Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and Ministry of Health, to create an international program to streamline the immigration process for medical professionals, ensuring their ability to integrate into Israel's medical workforce upon arrival in Israel. The objective of the program is to facilitate the Aliyah of 2,000 physicians over the course of the next five years. The International Medical Aliyah Program offers medical professionals an all-encompassing array of resources, services, and personal consultations and will now be offered around the world in various locations."
This year's inaugural event, which took place in Teaneck, NJ, on March 10, was attended by 230 physicians, from 30 states and provinces across the US and Canada. In addition, it was attended by nearly 500 medical professionals including nurses, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, optometrists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, audiologists, dietitians and nutritionists, and dental hygienists.
"Confronting the growing challenges of healthcare personnel shortages, especially in times of crisis, remains a critical mission for us at Nefesh B'Nefesh," Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh, said. "The International Medical Aliyah Program is designed to ensure a seamless transition for these committed medical professionals and passionate Zionists, and we are thrilled to now offer this expedited process to professionals from all over the world. We are honored to have been given this role by the Israeli government and extremely grateful to our philanthropic partners in making this possible."
Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said, "At the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, we recognized the vital contribution of bringing physicians to Israel, and as a result established the Directorate of Doctors within the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, led by Dr. Efrat Aflalo. This initiative underscores our commitment to fortifying Israel's healthcare system, economy, and national resilience, particularly during this challenging wartime. Today, I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of physicians at the Nefesh B'Nefesh's MedEx conference, some already in the advanced immigration stages and others expressing interest in making Aliyah in the future. Through collaborative efforts involving the Directorate of Doctors, the Ministry of Health, and Nefesh B'Nefesh, we will facilitate their smooth transition through the bureaucratic Aliyah procedures, enabling a swift integration into Israel's healthcare system. We have welcomed 200 doctors from overseas during the Swords of Iron War who answered the call to aid our hospitals in treating the influx of wounded. Today, on behalf of the State of Israel, we also express our profound gratitude to these doctors for their invaluable service."
Health Minister Uriel Menachem Buso said, "The Ministry of Health is spearheading major efforts to bolster our healthcare workforce through strategic national programs and congratulates our valuable collaboration with Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in this endeavor. Strengthening our health system with skilled professionals and experts in their respective fields is crucial, especially amidst the significant shortage of doctors in Israel. The national program we are advancing is imperative, and we are committed to streamlining bureaucratic procedures and expediting the absorption process into our healthcare system. I am confident that this program will enable us to fulfill our responsibilities and deliver a high-quality and timely medical response to all citizens of Israel."
MedEx attendees receive expedited licensing and networking opportunities. Health Minister Uriel Menachem Buso underscores the national imperative to bolster the healthcare workforce. Nefesh B'Nefesh has already assisted over 940 physicians and 3,000 medical professionals in aliyah processes. Following MedEx, the organization hosts the "Aliyah Fair" for potential Olim, providing essential support for those planning aliyah.
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