Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, head of the Health Ministry's Public Health Services division and a leading figure in the country’s COVID-19 response, announced her resignation Monday after more than five years in the role.
Alroy-Preis, who guided Israel through the coronavirus pandemic and spearheaded the national vaccination campaign, received widespread praise from health professionals for her leadership. Under her direction, Israel was seen as a global model in its pandemic exit strategy. However, she also faced harsh criticism and personal attacks from anti-vaccine activists, who spread false claims about her online.
The Health Ministry has not disclosed the reason for her sudden departure, and no replacement has been named. A ministry statement said a process to fill the position would begin “in the coming days in accordance with regulations.”
Alroy-Preis joined the ministry during the outbreak of COVID-19 and led the Public Health Services division through a series of crises beyond the pandemic. These included coordinating medical services for displaced communities during the war with Hamas and responding to the nationwide measles outbreak. During the measles crisis, the ministry faced public criticism over delays and a lack of transparency in sharing infection data.
‘Fake news is murder’
In recent remarks, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis condemned the spread of vaccine misinformation, particularly in the ultra-Orthodox community amid the ongoing measles outbreak.
“We encountered a well-funded propaganda booklet filled with lies, and we’re working to debunk every claim in it,” she said. “Those spreading this kind of fake news are committing an act that’s essentially murder—it prevents people from using simple, safe and effective tools that have been known for decades. The result is clear: seven healthy babies are dead.” The number of infants who succumbed to disease has since climbed to 10.
She added that health officials are gathering evidence from various groups and flyers and intend to work with police authorities. “Measles is the most contagious viral disease,” Alroy-Preis warned. “In unvaccinated communities, we’re seeing it spread extremely quickly, and the only way to prevent it is through vaccination. We’re seeing disinformation efforts in various populations, and it’s deadly. People need to be aware of the danger.”
Alongside emergency responses, Alroy-Preis led several long-term public health initiatives during her tenure, including the establishment of a national health intelligence unit, a vaccine stockpile and digital immunization registry, a food business licensing reform and preparedness efforts for the health effects of climate change.
Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov thanked Alroy-Preis “for her many years of professional contribution to public health in Israel and for her service as a senior member of the ministry’s leadership. Her impact has been felt both in times of crisis and in building long-term infrastructure.”