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.

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Ariel University in Samaria is set to make history Wednesday by conferring doctor of medicine degrees on 53 graduates from the Adelson School of Medicine. This milestone comes after an intensive 4-year journey, culminating in a ceremony attended by the president of Israel, where the graduates will officially become doctors. The cohort, completing their final year of their practicum, boasts a strong female representation, with approximately 40 women among the graduates.

Dr. Shany Shperling-Mordo, 31, an Ariel University medical graduate now interning at Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, reflects on the mixed emotions of the moment. "It's a complex time given the current situation in the country, especially working in a hospital and witnessing everything firsthand," she says. "But I'm also incredibly excited about this event. After all the hard work, it's deeply rewarding to reach this point. There's a real sense of accomplishment."

The past five years have been transformative for Shperling-Mordo. "I've met extraordinary people, both fellow students and faculty members," she recalls. "One particularly remarkable individual was Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, who tragically fell in battle in Gaza last November at age 39. He was a commander in the Shaldag unit and played a significant role in my journey. He encouraged us to join the 'Arrow' program, which integrates top students into research at various Sheba departments. Both of us were accepted. It was a pivotal moment in my career, and I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. He was an exceptional person who could have been an outstanding physician. His loss is profound for our country."

Looking to the future, Shperling-Mordo expresses hope: "I wish for myself and my colleagues to become skilled doctors capable of truly helping our patients. I hope we can fulfill our aspirations while remembering our roots, and importantly, that we choose to stay here to work and live in Israel. To me, that's crucial."

The Adelson School of Medicine at Ariel University opened its doors in October 2019 and currently hosts about 350 students. The four-year program is designed for those with a bachelor's degree. The inaugural class is now completing their internships, with some already securing positions in various specialties nationwide.

Dr. Dan Sagi, 32, now an intern at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, reminisces about his first day of medical school over four years ago. Since then, his days have grown longer and his nights shorter. But the journey has brought him more than just a medical degree; it's given him love and family."

"My wife is also a medical student at Ariel, a year behind me," Sagi shares. "We met while preparing for the entrance exams. By chance, I was accepted before her, even though she's far more accomplished. Ten months ago, we welcomed our beautiful daughter. It's been an incredibly intense period. Before starting, I couldn't have imagined what I was getting into," he admits. "There have been countless sleepless nights, especially this past year, but the satisfaction is immeasurable. I love this profession beyond words. Most days, I'm up before dawn, but I genuinely enjoy what I do."

In anticipation of the ceremony, Professor Shai Ashkenazi, dean of the Adelson School of Medicine, wrote to the graduates: "You're entering a noble profession that is truly a calling. It uniquely combines sophisticated science with the act of giving, helping others, and saving lives. Always treat your patients with humility, warmth, empathy, compassion, and words of encouragement. Guide them wisely and sensitively towards recovery."

Tonight's ceremony at Ariel University will be attended by President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, Dr. Miriam Adelson, Ministry of Health Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Israel Medical Association Chairman Professor Zion Hagay, University President Professor Ehud Grossman, University Rector Professor Albert Pinhasov, and School of Medicine Dean Professor Shai Ashkenazi.

The establishment of the School of Medicine at Ariel University was a pioneering move, breaking years of stagnation in opening new medical schools in Israel, partly due to resistance from established universities. The preparatory process spanned several years, involving extensive consultations with experts in Israel and abroad. The school's innovative curriculum aims to produce high-quality physicians with a strong foundation in both basic sciences and clinical medicine.

Israel is currently grappling with a shortage of doctors, a problem expected to worsen. The country's physician ratio is 3.1 per 100,000 people, significantly below the OECD average. Recent recommendations propose an immediate increase in medical student intake from 1,200 to 1,400 annually, with plans to potentially double this figure in the future.

Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom. The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom.

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