War creates a gap in the rehabilitation system: efforts to train the next generation

Israel is facing one of the most significant social and health challenges in its history. Even before the "Iron Swords" war, professional bodies and government ministries warned of a severe shortage of specialists in health and welfare, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Since October 7, the rehabilitation needs of Israeli society have expanded in an unprecedented way. More than 14,000 wounded IDF soldiers and security personnel, alongside thousands of civilians dealing with physical injuries and trauma, are in need of long-term care. The demand for skilled professionals in rehabilitation and welfare has become a national priority.

Against this backdrop, the Jerusalem Interdisciplinary Academic Center (formerly Hadassah College), with the support of the Gottesman Fund, is establishing a new department for physiotherapy. This will be the only such program in the Jerusalem area, developed in close cooperation with Hadassah Hospital and the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Mount Scopus.

Following approval from the Council for Higher Education, the curriculum is currently in the final stages of review by a professional committee. The center is working to launch the program as early as the upcoming academic year. The department is expected to become part of a broader faculty dedicated to training future health and rehabilitation professionals.

Recent reports indicate a shortage of approximately 2,000 physiotherapists, 2,500 occupational therapists, and over 2,000 speech therapists. With the influx of patients requiring rehabilitation, this deficit has become even more acute.

At the Jerusalem Interdisciplinary Academic Center, officials note a significant increase in interest among young people in clinical disciplines, including psychology and social work. Students are increasingly involved in interdisciplinary projects aimed at assisting trauma victims.

Prof. Ariela Gordon-Shaag, President of the center, told Maariv:

"Israel needs professionals in health and rehabilitation now more than ever. We appreciate the Gottesman Fund's contribution to this department, which addresses urgent national needs. The academy must be a central partner in the country's recovery by fostering knowledge and creating solutions for the complex challenges we face. While steps to increase medical school enrollment are welcome, they are not enough. We must invest in expanding academic infrastructure to ensure that the growing demand for studies translates into a professional workforce. The younger generation is eager to contribute, and our role is to provide them with the tools to do so."

The rehabilitation center at Mount Scopus, established as a national project following the outbreak of the war, has become one of the largest in Israel. Through this partnership, physiotherapy students will conduct part of their theoretical and practical training directly at the center, with its staff participating in the academic instruction of the next generation of therapists.