Israeli Doctors Voluntarily Continue Reserve Duty Despite Exemptions Amid Ongoing Conflict
As Israel marks 1,000 days since the outbreak of the "Sword of Iron" war, several senior doctors who are no longer obligated to serve in the reserves continue to volunteer actively. Three prominent physicians share their experiences juggling hundreds of days of reserve duty alongside demanding hospital roles, highlighting the heavy toll and strong sense of national duty that drives them.
Dr. Tzafrir Or, 60, head of cardiac intensive care at the Galilee Medical Center, re-enlisted for reserve duty immediately after the war began despite being exempt. Serving as a physician in Brigade 5’s 8110 Battalion, he has completed over 300 days of reserve service and anticipates further call-ups. Dr. Or emphasizes the camaraderie among reservists and the feeling of responsibility toward fellow soldiers as key motivators. He also notes the support from his hospital management, which enabled him to balance hospital work and military service.
Dr. Ben Ben Abraham, 50, manages the heart transplant and artificial heart service at Beilinson Medical Center and serves as the regional medical officer for the Home Front Command in Haifa. Since the war’s start, he has logged over 300 reserve days, often balancing critical transplant surgeries with emergency military medical responsibilities, including coordinating patient evacuations during missile attacks. He stresses the severe personal and family sacrifices involved, especially with four children and a spouse who is also a doctor. Dr. Ben Abraham calls attention to the broader societal strain of prolonged reserve service.
Dr. Guy Golani, 53, a senior surgeon at Soroka Medical Center, has continuously volunteered for reserve duty since completing his regular service. He has completed approximately 300 reserve days since the conflict began, serving as a medical officer in a mobile unit and surgical team instructor. Dr. Golani describes the challenge of juggling hospital duties and field service, the professional setbacks from extended absences, and the emotional strain of treating soldiers while his own son serves in a combat unit. Recently, he has reduced his operational role to focus more on hospital work and surgical training.
All three doctors express a profound sense of mission despite the physical, professional, and personal costs. They also highlight concerns about the sustainability of reserve service, the need for better institutional support, and the heavy burden borne by families. Their stories underscore the complex realities faced by medical professionals who continue to serve Israel’s military and civilian health systems amid ongoing conflict.
