Prof. Shlomo Mashiach, Pioneer of IVF in Israel, Dies at 89

Prof. Shlomo Mashiach, a founding figure in Israeli in vitro fertilization (IVF) and a key contributor to the birth of approximately 40,000 babies through assisted reproduction, passed away at age 89 in Tel Aviv. He was among the founders of the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medicine and previously led the Women’s and Maternity Hospital at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. His family revealed that his health deteriorated after being injured during sirens and an Iranian missile strike on their Tel Aviv home during Operation "Shield and Arrow." He is survived by two sons and two granddaughters.

Mashiach was instrumental in the birth of Israel’s first IVF baby, Romi Neumark, in 1982, and once held the world record for the oldest mother to give birth. He introduced advanced fertility technologies to Israel, establishing the country as a global leader in reproductive medicine. Initially aspiring to be a surgeon, his career path shifted after meeting his wife, Alit (Bianca), a legendary midwife, during his obstetrics rotation. Together, they became a renowned medical couple at Sheba, with Alit managing the delivery ward for 30 years.

His son, Prof. Roy Mashiach, now head of the gynecology department at Sheba, praised his father’s pioneering work in ultrasound, minimally invasive surgery, and IVF, noting that he transformed Sheba into a world-class center. Shlomo Mashiach was also recognized internationally for groundbreaking conservative treatments in gynecology, such as ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy, and for being the first in Israel to freeze eggs.

Despite his achievements, Mashiach was outspoken on controversial issues, including Israel’s low IVF success rates despite high funding, advocating for more selective treatment funding and expanded access to egg freezing and abortion without committee approval. He continued working almost until his injury and retirement, expressing regret at not witnessing future advances in fertility medicine.

Prof. Mashiach’s legacy is honored by colleagues and institutions, including Assuta Medical Centers, where he established the IVF unit responsible for half of Israel’s fertility treatments. His impact on Israeli medicine and countless families remains profound.