On the 15th -17th of May the Israeli Medical Association was represented by Prof Zion Hagay, President together with Adv. Leah Wapner, CEO at the 127th German Medical Assembly of the German Medical Association in Essen, Germany. For four days, 250 medical representatives from all over Germany gathered to provide impetus for health policy and to discuss important professional policy issues.
Prof Hagay was invited to speak at the opening of an Exhibition “Fegt alle hinweg..." Zum Approbationsentzug jüdischer Ärztinnen und Ärzte“, "Sweep away all those who do not want to understand the signs of the times ..." which is dedicated to the Jewish doctors whose license to practice medicine was forcibly revoked in 1938. The exhibition, which showed portraits of Jewish doctors who were ostracised, expelled and murdered by the National Socialists, was held in the Old Synagogue in Essen. At the opening of the exhibition, Dr. Rudolf Henke, President of the North Rhine Medical Association, welcomed the guests to the event. He was followed by Julia Jacob, the 1st Mayoress of the City of Essen and Dr. Uri-Robert Kaufmann, the Director of the Old Synagogue Essen and then the curators of the exhibition Mrs Ursula Ebell, and Dr. Hansjörg Ebell, who introduced the exhibition.
Prof Hagay was honoured to be invited to such an important and prestigious event. In his speech he commended the German people for doing what many other nations have not been able to do, and that is to stand up and acknowledge the mistakes of the past and apologise. Prof Hagay stated that “This is not an easy task, and it really means so much. Particularly as physicians, it is important for us to stand up and acknowledge the past. “
That evening the international guests were invited to a reception and gala dinner at the Parkhaus Hügel restaurant. This beautiful traditional restaurant lies on the shore of the lovely Baldeneysee Lake. The participants were treated to a delicious meal, beautiful views, and time to connect with National Medical Associations from across the globe.
The official opening ceremony of the 127th German Medical Assembly was held at the Philharmonie, Essen. The meeting began with a wonderful performance from the Folkwang Chamber Orchestra Essan and Uwaga, under the direction of Johannes Klump.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Federal Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach and the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Karl-Josef Laumann.
In his opening speech, Dr. Reinhardt called on all those responsible in politics, society and the health care system to promote climate protection and climate adaptation through decisive measures.
On Wednesday morning, Leah Wapner was invited to present about the situation in Israel in relation to the proposed judicial reform. Leah outlined the main points of the proposed reform and explained how the country is split in their feelings toward this. While there has been a huge response in the form of spontaneous grass roots uprising against the proposed reform, there have also been many citizens protesting in support of the reform. This has torn family and friends apart. There are many people who believe when they voted on the 1st of November that we need to let this government rule. Leah outlined the IMA’s response to the proposed legislation and the statement that was released in March 2023. It was an incredibly moving speech, and she received a standing ovation in response.
On Thursday, the 18th of May, the 127th German Medical Assembly re-elected Dr. Klaus Reinhardt as the President of the German Medical Association. We wish Dr. Reinhardt much success in this continued role, and we look forward to working with him during his next term as president.