Shani and Shir: From the IDF to the Czech Republic, and now, to the Faculty of Medicine in Safed

Shani Lubovsky (25), originally from the U.S., and Shir Kadosh (27), from Kfar Yona, have been together for six years. They met during their military service - he, a combat soldier, and she, an infantry instructor - and they immediately clicked.

After completing their service, they traveled together, and one thing was clear: they both wanted to study medicine. And they wanted to do it together.

Their journey to fulfilling this dream to become doctors began with an international program in the Czech Republic, where they studied for three years. “Shir hopes to become a surgeon, and I’m still figuring it out,” Shani shares. But after the events of October 7, there was no doubt - they were coming back home. In the midst of it all, Shir was called up for reserve duty, where he continues to serve on and off.

Today, they are students at the Faculty of Medicine in Safed, in the three-year program designed for students who began their medical studies abroad. Just two weeks ago, they moved into their new apartment in Safed. “Moving to Safed was the right choice for us,” says Shani. “The area is stunning, the atmosphere at the Faculty is warm and welcoming, and it’s great to study alongside people who understand the journey we’ve been through.”

And what’s next? This summer, after six years together, they’ll embark on a new adventure - this time, as a married couple.