UK Jewish Doctors Attend London MedEx Event to Explore Aliyah Options
Dozens of Jewish doctors in the UK attended the MedEx event in London under heavy security to explore moving to Israel and joining its healthcare sector, amid local anti-Israel protests.
Dozens of Jewish doctors and medical professionals gathered in London on Sunday for the annual MedEx event, seeking to explore practical opportunities to make Aliyah and integrate into Israel’s healthcare system. The event took place under heavy security amid anti-Israel protests and leafleting outside the venue.
The initiative is part of a national program led by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, and Nefesh B'Nefesh, in cooperation with the Jewish Agency. Despite external pressure, dozens of medical professionals attended to examine their professional and personal futures in Israel.
Professional Challenges in the UK
Local physicians highlighted a growing sense of urgency driven by the complex social climate in the United Kingdom. Dr. Laver, an allergy and immunology specialist, described the daily hurdles faced by Jewish medical staff. "Working as a doctor in Great Britain while being Jewish and a Zionist is difficult, both in terms of relations with colleagues and patients," he said. "There is negativity surrounding life as a Jewish doctor in the UK right now, and one could say MedEx is the penicillin for this condition."
Matan Bar Noy, representative of the World Zionist Organization in Britain and Europe, emphasized the significance of grassroots community connections. He noted that witnessing peers take concrete steps encourages hesitant professionals to finalize their immigration plans.
National Goals and Strategic Vision
Dganit Sanker-Langa, Director-General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, addressed the importance of the project, noting that the ministry aims to bring approximately 2,000 physicians to Israel over the next three years to bolster the medical sector.
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer praised the turnout of over 1,200 Jews at the broader London Aliyah fair, stressing that the integration of medical professionals is a paramount national mission.
Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh, echoed these sentiments, stating that the fair bridges the gap between Jewish doctors abroad and Israel's medical infrastructure. Major General (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, added that Aliyah remains a vital engine of growth and a beacon of hope for the nation.
