Incentives for Olim Doctors who work in the Gaza Envelope

After the atrocities of October 7th, the affected area surrounding the Gaza strip was labeled the Tehkumah Region (חבל התקומה). Tehkumah, meaning ‘revival’ or ‘resurgence’, reflects the broad efforts aimed at helping the region and its residents to rehabilitate.

Geographically, this roughly includes all local authorities within 7 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, as well as adjacent communities.

As part of this important project, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (משרד העלייה והקליטה) decided to promote the employment of specialist immigrant doctors in the Tehkumah Region (חבל התקומה) by offering financial grants.

Am I eligible to receive the grant?

Maybe! If you fulfil the following criteria:

1. You are a specialist in one the following fields:

2. Family Medicine

3. Obstetrics and Gynecology

4. Pediatrics

5. Psychiatry

6. You hold a valid Israeli medical license and specialist license.

7. No more than 6 years have passed since you made Aliyah or you’re a returning resident who has lived abroad for at least two years.

8. You have not previously worked as a public doctor in the Tehkumah region prior to the publication of this initiative (Temporary Directive No. 420) 

9. You have been hired to work in public healthcare serving the Tehkumah Region.

10. You will be working in the Tehkumah Region at a minimum of 60% employment (3 days/week).

11. You have commited to work in the Tehkumah Region for at least 3 years

So, let’s talk about the grant… 

Doctors who are eligible, and have been approved by the committee, will receive (drumroll please):

• ₪100,000 per year at the end of each full year of work, for up to three years, totaling ₪300,000 maximum.

• In the first year, the grant will be split: ₪50,000 after 6 months, and the remaining ₪50,000 at the end of the year.

• Small print: 

  • May be subject to tax according to Israeli law.

  • Not considered salary or part of salary in any respect.

  • Eligibility is terminated and payments discontinued if a doctor leaves the program early or stops working for any reason before completing the committed period.

How do I apply? 

• Simply fill in the form found by following this link:

  • https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/procedures_draft_hemshech/he/420.pdf#page=3

• And email the completed form to: 

  • med_aliyah@moia.gov.il

Applications are then reviewed by the committee, and if approved, will then receive written confirmation from the Doctors Division at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

The committee takes into account the order of application submissions and public health needs in the region, with priority given to specialists in psychiatry.

What’s the bottom line?

Here we see a noble attempt to combine the rehabilitation of tragedy-struck communities with the immigration of much-needed specialist doctors who can greatly contribute to the rebuilding of war-torn areas. The sum being offered is a relatively modest sum, especially after tax, but seeing that it is such an important cause and that the geographical location does not require living very far from Central Israel, it is definitely worth considering. It is worth noting that areas such as Ashdod, Carmei Gat and Kiryat Milachi fall under theTekumah Region. If you’re unsure which communities are included, we can help you get answers. Talk to us!