Ohad graduates as a doctor in Gaza
While his classmates celebrated the completion of their medical degrees, Ohad was serving inside Gaza.
His commanding officer presents him with his degree
He couldn’t make it to the graduation ceremony—but that didn’t mean he had to miss it altogether.
The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University, located in Safed, made sure he was included. They brought the celebration to him, right to the base where he’s stationed, handing him his diploma beside the tank he has come to call home.
The ceremony was held at the outpost where Ohad’s battalion is currently stationed deep inside the Gaza Strip. After several intense days of operations, Ohad’s battalion commander gathered Ohad’s unit and presented him with his diploma. Wearing a cap and gown over his IDF uniform, Ohad recited the doctor’s oath (Hippocratic Oath) to the applause of his fellow soldiers.
“I’m proud to be the first Jew in 2,000 years to receive an dovtor’s degree in Gaza,” he said after the ceremony. “Honestly, I can’t imagine this ceremony taking place anywhere else. Marking the occasion together with my fellow reservists—who are like family—is a natural continuation of my life since October 7.”
Over the past two years, Ohad has completed approximately 400 days of reserve duty while completing medical school and beginning his residency. An exceptional collaboration between the IDF, Bar-Ilan University administration, and the Faculty of Medicine enabled Ohad and other reservists to graduate while on duty.
A total of 245 new physicians were officially awarded their degrees this year by Bar-Ilan University’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine—a milestone that symbolises not just academic achievement, but the extraordinary power of perseverance, service, and hope in the face of adversity.
“These new doctors didn’t just study medicine, they lived it,” said Prof. Orly Avni, Dean of the Azrieli Faculty at the graduation ceremony held in Safed. “They trained in real emergency conditions, worked alongside medical teams in underground facilities, and responded to complex trauma cases under wartime pressures. Their education is rooted in reality, and their experience is unmatched anywhere in the world.”
Delivering Ohad’s diploma to Gaza is a reflection not only of Bar-Ilan University’s commitment to academic excellence, but to standing by its students, wherever they are.
Incredible. Kol HaKevod, Ohad. Such determination, resilience and excellence in study. You will be a wonderful doctor. And accolades to Bar Ilan University for their efforts in awarding this degree.