Thousands of Arab Doctors Left Out in the Cold as Israel’s Residency Crisis Worsens

Israel is facing a severe shortage of doctors – especially in the peripheries. Yet, some 5,000 doctors from the Arab community who studied abroad, mostly in Eastern Europe, and who have passed the Ministry of Health licensing exam, are unable to find a residency position or employment in the Israeli healthcare system. ‘I sent resumes to all the hospitals and all the HMOs,’ says Maya, while Khaled ‘knocked on the doors of department heads.’ They are stuck, some are thinking about leaving the country, and some believe it’s not by accident. A special report. Published also in Ynet (Hebrew) and Wasla (Arabic)

May 28, 2026