Russian-Born Doctor Overcomes Antisemitism to Serve as IDF Medical Officer

Captain Dr. M, a 31-year-old anesthesiologist living in Beersheba, Israel, shared his journey from facing antisemitism in Russia to serving as a medical officer in the Israel Defense Forces. As a child in Russia, he was ostracized and accused of theft solely because he was Jewish, an experience that deeply affected him. Despite completing medical studies in Russia, upon immigrating to Israel, he initially worked various odd jobs while learning Hebrew and preparing for his medical licensing exams.

After passing his exams and completing a lengthy internship wait, Dr. M reentered the medical field and recently finished a reserve medical officers course. He credits his service in the IDF, including deployments in the Jordan Valley, the West Bank, northern Israel, and near the Syrian border, with giving him a strong sense of belonging and purpose. The October 7 Hamas attacks motivated him to volunteer, seeing the need to help wounded soldiers at Soroka Medical Center.

Dr. M reflected on the meaningful moments in his military career, such as seeing former patients return as commanders and expressing gratitude. He emphasizes equality and mutual trust in leadership, aspiring to be a commander who provides significance and reliability to his troops. He contrasts his current acceptance in Israel with the discrimination he endured in Russia, stating, "Here no one will say being Jewish is a bad thing."