For many years Israel has been a center of science and advanced technology. Israeli physicians and scientists have often been among the leaders in many fields of medicine, including cardiology. Israelis have been deeply involved in international activity in various scientific fields, and the country has been an important site for studies,research activities and international scientific meetings.
The current political situation in Israel severely affects the country's position in the international community,especially among European countries. Individuals and organizations that used to come to meetings in Israel are now hesitant to come, and the international participation in scientific and medical meetings is often poor. The same process involves international studies – many companies discourage their employees from coming to Israel, thus potentially affecting negatively Israel's participation in international studies, in spite of the excellent performance of Israeli centers in international studies in the past.
Another aspect of the political situation is a drift in Israel's image and acceptability in international medical organizations and other international forums. Papers in prestigious medical journals have aggressively attacked the medical community in Israel for allegedly mistreating the population in the west bank and Gaza. Another striking example was the refusal to accept an Israeli researcher for fellowship in the UK due to nationality and past military service. Undoubtedly this atmosphere affected the position of Israel in various international (mainly European) medical associations, including the ability of Israeli dominant cardiologists to be elected to positions in European associations.
Given this situation it was felt that it would be extremely important and timely to establish an association of international cardiologists who will support cardiology in Israel and its position the international arena.
The Friends of the Israel Heart Society is a voluntary international body of physicians living and operating abroad,who are interested in supporting the activities of the IHS. It was established in North America first, and will later expand its activity to other countries in Europe and potentially South America. The founder and first leader of the association is Dr Douglas Zipes of Indianapolis, IN. The current president of the FIHS is Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger of Evanston, IL.
