Veterinary Education in Israel

HISTORICAL REVIEW The veterinary profession in Israel is purported to be an ancient one. The first mention of an Israeli veterinarian is the description of Ila, who lived and practiced in Yavneh about 2,000 years ago, as is recorded in the Mishnah (the oral code of Jewish law), Bechorot 4.5. Ila became famous for his veterinary skills and integrity, and thus he can be considered a model for the veterinary profession. It is interesting to note that two of the villages in which Ila practiced (Zarnuga and Doron) are known today as the modern city of Rehovot, now the site of Israel’s veterinary school.