Health Policy Meeting | Preventing Childhood Obesity was held on May 7, 2026, in collaboration with Goshen – The Center for Child Health and Wellbeing.
Chair: Prof. Yael Levantahl

Session I

Chair: Prof. Yael Levantahl, Director of the Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Board Member of the Israel Obesity Research Association

Opening Remarks:
Prof. Nachman Ash, Chair of the Board of Directors, National Institute
Dr. Manuel Katz, President, Goshen – The Center for Child Health and Wellbeing

Prof. Zohar Landau, Meuhedet Health Services – Childhood Obesity in Israel: Current Status

Dr. Hagit Peleg, Goshen – International Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity

Prof. Mary Rudolf, Goshen – The Importance of Early Childhood Intervention in Obesity Prevention

Prof. Dani Nemet, Clalit Health Services – Interventions in Israel

Session II

Panel Discussion: “From the Field – Interventions, Successes and Challenges”

Moderator: Prof. Eitan Kerem, Goshen – The Center for Child Health and Wellbeing

Dr. Moran Bleichfeld Magnazi, Ministry of Health
Ms. Efrat Laufer, Ministry of Education
Dr. Samir Sobhi Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm
Rabbi Benjamin Fisher, Chair and Founder, Magen LaCholeh Association
Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Diabetes Researcher, Galilee, Bar-Ilan University

Session III

Chair: Prof. Leonard Leibovitz, National Institute

Community-Based Action

Respondents:
Prof. Dani Nemet, Clalit Health Services
Dr. Gal Sagie, Meuhedet Health Services
Dr. Batya Sela-Razon, Maccabi Healthcare Services
Ms. Hani Skall, Leumit Health Services

Open Discussion

Closing Remarks: Prof. Yael Levantahl