In a powerful demonstration of commitment and Zionism, Dr. Eugene Rapaport, a 58-year-old anesthesiologist from California, has realized his decades-long ambition of immigrating to Israel. Despite the current conflict, Rapaport arrived in the country two weeks ago, eager to contribute his specialized medical skills to Israel's healthcare system during this crucial period.
For three decades, Rapaport, an accomplished anesthesiologist at Californian hospitals, harbored a dream of moving to Israel. That dream became reality two weeks ago when he landed in the country with his daughter, Shira, who is thrilled to celebrate her bat mitzvah in the Jewish homeland. His other daughter, Rebecca, had already made the move to Israel about three months prior. "This is an extraordinary time to be in Israel, and I'm elated to be fulfilling a 30-year dream," said Rapaport.
Rapaport's connection to Israel runs deep. He studied medicine at Tel Aviv University until 1993, a period he remembers vividly for its geopolitical tensions. "It was during the time when Saddam Hussein was threatening to destroy half of Israel," he recalled. After completing his studies, Rapaport moved to the US to establish his career, but the aspiration to return to Israel never faded.
In 2017, Rapaport began the arduous process of getting his medical credentials recognized in Israel. Twice he nearly gave up, discouraged by the bureaucratic hurdles. However, the outbreak of war galvanized his resolve. With assistance from Nefesh B'Nefesh and in collaboration with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, KKL, and JNF USA, Rapaport finally made the move. His goal now is to secure a position as a physician at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital).
When hostilities broke out, Rapaport immediately sought ways to help. He volunteered as an anesthesiologist at Hadassah Hospital for about two weeks. "I was added to a WhatsApp group called 'Volunteers for Israel,' managed by a Hadassah doctor," he explained. "On October 7, I believe many Jews worldwide were asking themselves what they could do to assist. The anesthesiology community is small, and my greatest contribution is my expertise in anesthesia, particularly in cardiac-thoracic procedures, which are critical and in high demand."
Rapaport described his volunteer stint at Hadassah as "an incredible opportunity." He added, "As a senior physician in Los Angeles, I wanted to ensure that those defending Israel would receive care from a skilled doctor." He recounted a particularly poignant experience: "We treated a soldier whose hand was injured by an RPG. When he complained of post-operative pain, I administered a nerve block to ensure his comfort. That moment alone made my journey to Israel worthwhile. This soldier had risked his life fighting for Israel. If I can help those who put their lives on the line for this country, it's an honor for me as a physician."
Ofir Sofer, minister of aliyah and integration, praised Rapaport's decision: "Dr. Rapaport and his daughter Shira have immigrated to Israel with the express purpose of strengthening the nation during wartime and saving lives. In partnership with the Jewish Agency, the Zionist Organization, and Nefesh B'Nefesh, we are actively working to bring Jews who wish to contribute to Israel's strength, with a particular focus on recruiting medical professionals to bolster our healthcare system."
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass shared his personal encounter with Rapaport: "I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Rapaport a year ago at our MedEx event, which helps doctors expedite their licensing and job search processes. I was struck by his impressive character, strong principles, ambition, and exceptional skills. It's inspiring to see Eugene's long-held dream of moving to Israel and contributing as a doctor finally come to fruition, even after 30 years. We warmly welcome him!"
