Israeli surgeon disinvited from Lebanese conference over IDF service

An Israeli-American surgeon, Dr. Sharona Ross, was disinvited from delivering a remote lecture at the Lebanese Society of General Surgery’s 27th annual Spring Conference. The cancellation reportedly stemmed from the realization that Dr. Ross completed her mandatory two-year service in the Israeli Defense Forces.

According to Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese media, Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasser El-Din, nominated by Hezbollah, demanded the head of the society cancel the session. Lebanese law, specifically the 1955 Anti-Israel Boycott Law and the Lebanese Penal Code, makes it illegal for Lebanese individuals to communicate or have contact with Israelis, even those with dual nationality.

Dr. Ross, described as an experienced advanced foregut and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeon based in Florida, was initially invited to participate via Zoom. She has over 20 years of experience, was among the first surgeons in the U.S. to offer Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) Surgery, and has delivered keynote speeches at numerous international events. The Institute for Surgical Excellence also noted her role as a Patient Preferred Surgeon Representing the State of Florida for 2020.

A source told the Hezbollah outlet that a Lebanese doctor in France coordinated the conference and suggested Dr. Ross due to her expertise. Plans to keep her participation discreet were reportedly abandoned after other doctors objected. Dr. Ross has not yet responded to requests for comment.