Israel’s historic MedEx Australia event draws more than 100 Jewish physicians to make Aliyah, strengthening national healthcare and transforming Zionism into life-saving action.
In a groundbreaking stride for both Israel’s healthcare system and the global Jewish community, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Ministry of Health, and the Ministry for the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, hosted the first-ever MedEx events in Australia — welcoming over 100 Jewish doctors in Sydney and Melbourne eager to begin their journey home to Israel.
The events, part of the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), offered a one-stop framework that streamlines the entire Aliyah process for medical professionals — including credential verification, hospital interviews, relocation guidance, and grant information — all under one roof.
Doctors in attendance met virtually with representatives from Israel’s top medical institutions, including Ichilov, Hadassah, Galilee Medical Center, Rambam, Kaplan, and all four Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), allowing participants to complete in one day what once took months of bureaucratic navigation.
Following successful MedEx programs in Paris, London, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, and New Jersey, the expansion to Australia marked Israel’s Pacific breakthrough, reinforcing the national goal of recruiting 2,000 new physicians within five years, particularly to serve the Negev, Galilee, and Gaza border communities — regions vital to Israel’s demographic and strategic resilience.
“We continue to expand the International Medical Aliyah Program and are grateful for the enthusiastic response from Australia’s Jewish doctors,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration MK Ofir Sofer. “Sadly, antisemitism is on the rise globally, including in Australia. We expect local authorities to act decisively. But for those who seek security, meaning, and purpose — Israel awaits them.”
“This is not just immigration; it’s participation in the Zionist mission — building Israel through medicine and compassion,” he added.
Nefesh B’Nefesh Co-Founder and Chairman Tony Gelbart echoed that sentiment:
“MedEx events are bridges between professional aspiration and national need. The Australian doctors we met are not only highly skilled but deeply motivated to contribute to Israel’s future. Their Aliyah will save lives — literally.”
Minister for the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf praised the initiative as a fusion of modern Zionism and national fortitude.
“Israel needs doctors in Tzfat, Kiryat Shmona, Be’er Sheva, and Dimona. By bringing Jewish physicians to serve in our heartland and border communities, we strengthen not just our defense — but our health, our resilience, and our faith in the future.”
Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog called the effort “a living expression of modern Zionism.”
“Bringing Jewish doctors to Israel is an act of courage and trust in the Jewish state — even in its most challenging moments. These physicians are joining the story of rebuilding our nation, one hospital, one family, and one act of healing at a time.”
With over 700 new doctors having already made Aliyah in 2025, the IMAP program continues to gain momentum. Upcoming MedEx events in Europe and North America are expected to attract hundreds more medical professionals determined to link their careers to Israel’s destiny.
This initiative — blending Jewish solidarity, national service, and technological excellence — reaffirms a timeless truth: every doctor who makes Aliyah heals not just patients, but strengthens the soul of Israel itself.
