Dr. Yoel Haller (October 30, 1930 – November 3, 2025) lived a life defined by caring, conviction, and creativity. Over 95 years, he touched countless lives — not only as a physician but as a global humanitarian, advocate, and lover of the arts.
After completing his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania, Yoel built a distinguished career in obstetrics and gynaecology in San Francisco, delivering hundreds of babies and providing compassionate care to generations of families. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, long before it became common practice, he emerged as a strong advocate for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. As Medical Director of Planned Parenthood for San Francisco and Northern California, he championed patient dignity and choice, and he fiercely promoted the then-radical idea that fathers deserved to be present in the delivery room.
A Life Beyond Medicine
Medicine was only one dimension of Yoel’s wide-ranging life. He had a deep love for art, music, theatre, conversation, and travel. A lifelong explorer, he approached the world with curiosity and treated everyone he met — patients, colleagues, or strangers — with dignity and warmth.
His partnership with his wife, Eva Haller, further expanded his impact. Together, they supported philanthropic causes across the arts, education, human rights, and social justice, and have traveled throughout the world with Free the Children and other non-profit groups in an effort to empower others.
The two met serendipitously on a bus in Mexico, a chance encounter that blossomed into an extraordinary partnership grounded in love, generosity, and mutual respect. Reflecting on their life together in a recent documentary, Eva shared:
“Every day’s an adventure. Everything’s a joy. And I feel very, very privileged. The meaning of life comes from relationships. I don’t think any human being feels they have a meaningful life unless they are loved, unless they love. Look for a good partner in life. Find your support system. Every day is exciting. I wake up in the morning thinking, What kind of fabulous day are we going to have? And we do. It’s never boring, never repetitive — always unique. And that love can do a lot of good things.”
Watch this excerpt from the feature documentary EVA HALLER: A Work in Progress, in which Yoel and Eva explore love, marriage, and the nuances of communication:
https://vimeo.com/1135489893?
Yoel and Eva’s life together reflected a shared commitment to art, activism, and mentorship — a partnership that helped strengthen cultural institutions, educational programs, and peace-building efforts around the world. Yoel served on multiple boards, including Friends of Hospice in San Francisco, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera Association, and UCSB Chancellor’s Council.
Yoel was also a strong supporter of The MY HERO Project, believing in its mission to amplify stories of courage, compassion, and positive change. Yoel and Eva's encouragement of young filmmakers through the sponsorship of the Women Transforming Media Award reflects their shared belief that storytelling can inspire a more just and peaceful world.
In every aspect of his life — from delivering newborns to nurturing ideas, from treating patients to championing global causes- Dr. Yoel Haller embodied empathy, openness, and service. Loved by patients and colleagues for his gentle humor and steady wisdom, he offered care that extended far beyond clinical skill. He offered humanity.
Yoel Haller’s life stands as a testament to the fact that compassion, conviction, and creativity can change lives quietly, powerfully, and forever.
Page created on 12/1/2025 10:41:07 AM
Last edited 12/1/2025 11:09:09 AM
