Israel Health Chief Heads to Columbia

Israel’s healthcare system currently holds an 87% public trust rating, a figure that Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov credits to the daily work of medical staff. He announced Tuesday that he will step down from his post within weeks after serving approximately nine years.

Bar Siman Tov guided the national health apparatus through the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 7 attacks, and the subsequent war with Hamas. During that period, his team treated thousands of wounded individuals and managed the medical intake of hostages returning from captivity.

The director-general also oversaw the creation of a national mental health program designed to treat widespread trauma. He directed efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure in outer regions and adjusted services to meet shifting patient needs. The Health Ministry noted that the system gained the highest level of trust among all Israeli public institutions under his leadership.

Bar Siman Tov is moving to New York to join Columbia University as a research fellow. He will spend the coming months studying and writing about how healthcare systems respond to national trauma. Health Minister Haim Katz acknowledged his service and his contribution to the sector.

In a statement, Bar Siman Tov said he leaves knowing the system is strong and prepared for future challenges. He emphasized that the staff’s dedication and professionalism are the primary drivers of the system’s performance and public confidence.