BOSTON, MA — Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in the Middle East, has officially established its first U.S.-based ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) program in downtown Boston. While the move is celebrated by state officials as a boost to the local innovation economy, it has triggered significant backlash from activists demanding that Massachusetts sever ties with Israeli institutions.
The Expansion: A Global Innovation Hub
Located in downtown Boston, the new ARC Landing hub is designed as an AI-driven healthcare incubator. In its initial cycle, it is supporting six international startups seeking to enter the U.S. market.
- State Support: Governor Maura Healey’s administration has long championed the partnership, highlighting the $5 million in tax credits offered to encourage Sheba’s entry into the Massachusetts ecosystem.
- Medical Leadership: Based in Ramat Gan, Israel, Sheba Medical Center is frequently ranked among the world’s top hospitals and markets itself as an “Oasis of Peace” for its history of treating both Israeli and Palestinian patients.
The Backlash: Protests and Political Pressure
The presence of the hospital has drawn sharp criticism from local advocacy groups, including Massachusetts Peace Action and the Alliance for Water Justice.
- Military Allegations: Protesters label Sheba “Israel’s #1 military hospital,” citing its role in treating injured IDF soldiers and training military medical staff.
- Gaza Conflict: Activists have held “die-in” protests at the State House, arguing that the partnership makes the state complicit in the ongoing destruction of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.
- Demands for Divestment: Demonstrators have called on the Healey administration to denounce Sheba’s plans, sever all existing ties, and pledge to stop using taxpayer money to support the venture.
Official Responses
Despite the protests, Governor Healey has remained firm in her support, describing the expansion as “really cool” and praising the innovative treatments and therapies the partnership could bring to Massachusetts residents.
Sheba’s leadership, including Director General Dr. Yitshak Kreiss, has framed the Boston accelerator as a way to “build bridges” and showcase the “beautiful face” of Israel through collaborative innovation. A spokesperson for the hospital reiterated that “health serves as a bridge between people and nations” and stated their commitment to a shared future through medical progress.
