Deans of Israel’s 9 med schools warn against expanding gender segregation in higher ed

By Zev Stub

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13 July 2026, 4:05 pm

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Zev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.

The Hadassah Medical School performed an exercise simulating a mass terror attack, at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. Professor Avi Rivkin, head of the trauma department gives orders. July 22, 2009. (Yossi Zamir/Flash90)

The deans of Israel’s nine medical schools have issued a joint warning urging lawmakers to reject legislation that would expand gender-segregated study in advanced higher education, arguing it could undermine medical training, international accreditation and public health.

The letter follows a similar statement issued by Israeli university heads last week.

In a call to members of the Knesset ahead of second and third readings of the proposed bill this week, the deans say mixed-gender education is essential to preparing doctors to treat Israel’s diverse population and to fostering collaborative learning.

While the legislation does not mandate gender-segregated classes, it could eventually lead to separate funding streams and pressure universities and medical schools to adopt segregation due to limited resources, the letter says.

The proposal could also jeopardize international recognition of Israeli medical schools, potentially limiting graduates’ ability to pursue fellowships at leading hospitals abroad, the letter adds. Over time, the letter warns, such restrictions could reduce the number and quality of specialist physicians practicing in Israel, and lead to faculty appointments based on gender rather than expertise.

“In the event that a relative of yours needs surgery — would you want the best professional, or a surgeon of the ‘right’ gender?” the letter asks.