Professor Yakov Hart, Netanya Academic College President and Healthcare Leader, Dies

Professor Yakov Hart, president of Netanya Academic College and a prominent figure in Israel's healthcare and academic systems for decades, has passed away. The college announced his death, noting his leadership since 2017 following over two decades as chairman of its board of governors.

Professor Hart had over 40 years of academic experience, previously heading the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at Tel Aviv University. He published approximately 120 scientific articles and received the Ben-Gurion Prize for academic research.

Alongside his academic career, Hart held senior management roles in the healthcare system. He managed the Sharon Hospital for about 20 years and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center for over a decade. He also served as chairman of the Israel Public Health Association and president of the Israel Hospital Directors Association.