Health Ministry director-general to step down after nine years, set to join Columbia University

During his tenure, Bar Siman Tov led Israel's healthcare system through the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 7 massacre, and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war.

Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov will step down in the coming weeks after serving about nine years in the role across two terms, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday.

During his tenure, Bar Siman Tov led Israel's healthcare system through the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 7 massacre, and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war. He led efforts including treating thousands of casualties and wounded individuals, receiving hostages returning from captivity, and ensuring the continuity of healthcare services amid war and ongoing emergency threats.

Alongside managing emergencies, Bar Siman Tov spearheaded major initiatives including developing and implementing a national mental health program to address widespread trauma, strengthening medical infrastructure and services in Israel's outer regions, and improving the system's ability to respond to the changing healthcare needs of Israeli citizens, the ministry said.

Under Bar Siman Tov's leadership, the healthcare system has gained the highest level of trust of all public institutions in Israel.

Bar Siman Tov is set to join Columbia University in New York as a research fellow in the coming months, focusing on research and writing about how healthcare systems respond to national trauma.

Health Minister Haim Katz thanked Bar Siman Tov for his service and "significant contribution to Israel's healthcare system."

Bar Siman Tov thanks healthcare workers

"I am concluding my tenure knowing that Israel's healthcare system is strong, professional, and prepared for any challenge. The system's true strength lies in its dedicated employees, who work every day with a sense of mission and a deep commitment to saving lives and protecting public health, serving as a model of coexistence for all parts of Israeli society," Bar Siman Tov said.

He credited "the dedication and professionalism of healthcare workers" with the healthcare system's record 87% level of trust among the Israeli public.