The deans of Israel’s medical schools have sent a letter to Knesset members highlighting the potential risks of the proposed Gender Segregation Bill in Higher Education.
In their communication, the deans cautioned that the legislation could jeopardize the well-being of Israeli citizens. They argued that allowing gender to dictate medical training would shift focus from faculty expertise to gender considerations.
The deans also warned that passing the bill could erode international recognition and respect for Israeli universities. They feared it would hamper Israeli doctors’ ability to pursue prestigious fellowships abroad, ultimately diminishing the availability and quality of specialized medical professionals in the country.
Moreover, the letter emphasized the importance of collaborative study for delivering inclusive medical care. Citing the spirit of Maimonides, the deans called for a medical system that treats patients as individuals, regardless of gender or status.
The bill has already passed its second and third readings in the Knesset and is slated for a decision later this week. It would permit graduate schools to offer gender‑segregated tracks, a practice currently prohibited.
Education Committee Chair MK Tzvi Sukkot defended the law as an expansion of choice, stating it does not enforce segregation on anyone. He urged advocates of pluralism to respect the rights of religious and ultra‑Orthodox communities to pursue academic advancement on equal footing.
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