53 graduates from the Adelson School of Medicine at Ariel University in Samaria crossed a significant threshold yesterday, receiving their doctoral degrees and officially joining the ranks of medical professionals.
The inaugural class, culminating four years of rigorous study, stood proudly on stage – with women comprising an impressive 40 of the new doctors. Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health, pledged his support to expand the faculty's student body.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Miriam Adelson, who founded the school with her late husband Sheldon Adelson, said: "I have faith in you, the nation has faith in you. Each of you bears the responsibility of ensuring the vitality of the Jewish people. Approach your patients with a warm smile. Israeli society craves your optimism – your smile will reassure them that all is well."
She continued: "Visiting the heart of Samaria has become my personal Rosh Hashanah tradition. As we usher in the new year, I'm privileged to witness the emergence of fresh talent – young men and women poised to provide medical care to every citizen of our beloved Israel. You'll alleviate the burden of illness and injury and grant the gift of life itself. While this occasion is joyous, this year's ceremony is tinged with pain."
Dr. Adelson paid tribute to Yigal Cohen-Orgad, former chancellor of Ariel University, who passed away in 2019. She added: "I remain hopeful, and my hope is twofold: first, because like you, I'm part of the Israeli people; and second, because like you, I've been blessed with the calling of medicine. As physicians, we wield an almost divine power – to heal, to revive, to lift someone from the depths of illness, or, when necessary, to provide gentle companionship in life's final moments. We perform miracles daily. Now, amidst this devastating war with no end in sight, our skills are more crucial than ever. We must tend to the wounded – both soldiers and civilians – and address the less visible but equally profound emotional and mental trauma."
The ceremony paid special tribute to Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter, 39, a platoon commander in the elite Shaldag Unit who was killed in action in Gaza in November. His family accepted an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of his sacrifice.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, attending to congratulate the graduates, remarked: "While you've rightfully earned this moment of celebration, today also marks the beginning of an immense responsibility. From this day forward, people will entrust you with their most precious possessions – their lives and their well-being. As we all know, we're in the throes of an extraordinarily challenging conflict – one that underscores the righteousness of our cause and our unwavering commitment to life, peace, and security. You've already embodied this resilient Israeli spirit in recent months, tending to patients with unwavering dedication. I'm aware that many of you have also cared for those wounded in this war."
Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.
