Professor Shlomo Mashiach, IVF Pioneer in Israel, Passes Away at 89

Professor Shlomo Mashiach, a founding figure in Israel's field of in vitro fertilization (IVF), has died at the age of 89. He previously served as director of the Women and Maternity Hospital at Sheba Medical Center and established the IVF unit at Assuta Medical Center, which now handles about half of Israel's fertility treatments. Mashiach was also a founding member of the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medicine and was regarded as one of Israel's leading obstetricians and gynecologists.

The Israeli Medical Association praised Mashiach for fulfilling the dream of parenthood for thousands of families. Former patients expressed deep gratitude, with one saying, "Thanks to him, we became parents. Our hearts are broken with pain." Another added, "Because of him, I am a mother today. A pure soul who came to do only good. A million children exist thanks to you, and countless hopeful parents received a miracle."

Assuta Medical Center honored Mashiach’s legacy, stating his professional contributions will continue to guide medical teams and patients for years to come. Professor Shelly Mazaki-Tovi, current director of the Women and Maternity Hospital at Sheba, eulogized Mashiach as "the foremost pioneer of our discipline," highlighting his role in transforming the department into a leading national and international institution. Mazaki-Tovi also noted that many generations of doctors trained by Mashiach have become leaders across Israel. He extended condolences to Mashiach’s sons, Roy and Guy, and his entire family, emphasizing the family’s historical connection to the hospital’s legacy.