Ptsd
Found 48 recent publications
Wounded IDF Reservists Fight Military Ban on Combat Duty
A group of 117 IDF reservists with PTSD are battling a new military policy that automatically freezes their service, demanding individual assessments to return to combat.
Itzik Saidian Reflects on PTSD Recovery and Mission to Help Veterans
Five years after Itzik Saidian set himself on fire protesting veterans' care, he reflects on his survival, PTSD recovery, and his new mission to help combat troops.

Partner TV+ Hosts Memorial Event Highlighting Reservists' PTSD and Heroism
Partner communications hosted a special broadcast dedicated to October 7 memorial stories, highlighting reservists' mental struggles, PTSD, and the vital need for accessible psychological support.

Traffic Police Assist IDF Combat Veteran Experiencing Panic Attack on Highway 1
Traffic police officers on Highway 1 aided an IDF combat veteran suffering a severe panic attack and flashback, using grounding techniques and driving him safely to a trauma center.
How Service Dogs Are Helping Israeli Combat Veterans Heal from PTSD
Israeli veterans and terror victims struggling with PTSD are finding a renewed sense of independence and safety through specialized service dogs, which provide crucial psychological and physical support.
Returning to Re'im: A Family's Journey of Survival and Remembrance
Reut Karp and her children have returned to Kibbutz Re'im nearly two years after October 7, navigating severe trauma while preserving the memory of Dvir Karp, who was murdered by terrorists.

64% of Injured Soldiers Diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder in Shaare Zedek Study
A Shaare Zedek Medical Center study on Iron Swords war soldiers shows 64% developed acute stress disorder, strongly linked to prior trauma and exposure to fatalities.
The Rescuers of October 7: Oz Davidian Recalls Saving 120 Lives from the Nova Festival
Oz Davidian saved 120 lives by driving into the Nova music festival massacre zone 15 times on October 7, 2023. Three years later, he opens up about his ongoing battle with PTSD and his enduring bond with the survivors.
Clalit Report Details Severe Mental and Physical Toll After Three Years of War
A comprehensive Clalit report reveals a 121% surge in youth psychiatric visits and persistent PTSD rates among evacuees after three years of war, highlighting deep physical and mental health tolls.
From Combat Soldier to PTSD Survivor: Liza Lazar's Journey of Recovery
Liza Lazar, a former IDF combat soldier, shares her arduous journey of battling severe PTSD following her military service, and finding a renewed sense of purpose through the "Now I" rehabilitation program for female veterans.

Hostage Survivor Rom Braslavski Protests Neglect of IDF Veteran PTSD
Hostage survivor Rom Braslavski released a powerful video condemning government silence over the suicide of over 120 IDF combat veterans with PTSD since October 7.
The "Democrats" Party Unveils National Mental Health Rehabilitation Plan
The "Democrats" party led by Yair Golan presented a national mental health rehabilitation plan, committing to establish a dedicated governmental headquarters with a 1.5 billion NIS budget.
To assist combatants: The surprising move by a major insurance company
Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the insurance and finance company chose to give its agents hundreds of bottles of wine from the TERRA UMA association, produced by combatants dealing with PTSD as part of a unique rehabilitation program.
From the Alumim standby squad to the Tokyo Marathon: The run that beats trauma
Nitai Nahutomi, who fought on October 7 and is currently dealing with PTSD, will run 10 km at the Be'er Sheva Light Run Festival in memory of his fallen friends, and on the way to the Tokyo Marathon, he will raise funds for the children of the Shalva organization.
Omer returned from Lebanon with trauma. His ex-wife used it in a custody battle
Reservists who seek mental health help following the war may find that their treatment summaries are used against them in proceedings concerning visitation rights with their children.
Cannabis reform and psychedelic therapy for combat veterans: Ale Yarok returns
Nir Yuftero, known as "The Angel" for his advocacy for medical cannabis patients, has been appointed by the party's founder to lead the list. The party's demands: full legalization, medical reform, and psychedelic treatment for PTSD sufferers.
"How did we not notice?": Uriel fought in Gaza and took his own life, his friends from the Nahal Brigade speak out
After losing two friends in the battles in Gaza, the fighters of the "Retek" platoon of the 932nd Battalion are dealing with another tragedy: the death of their friend Uriel Gethon, who took his own life due to PTSD. The friends reveal their feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration with the military mental health system and warn: "The army needs to start seeing those who are alive."
"I want to start life over": Father of 6-year-old stabbed to death by his mother asks for help
Doron Nathaniel Hess, who lost his son Liam two years ago, told Ynet about the rehabilitation process and the high cost of training the service dog that helps him cope with PTSD. "I ask those who can and have the possibility - to help."
Without criteria or oversight: the number of organizations treating PTSD is skyrocketing
An anarchy of hundreds of organizations providing PTSD treatment has emerged in Israel since October 7. Experts warn that the lack of uniform standards and professional oversight poses significant risks to patients.
From the hell in Sderot to the theater stage: Hillel HaCohen dreams of shaking up the art world
From yeshiva studies to the acting stage: Hillel HaCohen explains why the religious public must enter the world of culture and creativity, deals with the complex questions raised by Etgar Keret's texts, and marks the next goal in education and creation. "There is no reason for our culture to remain only with Ishay Ribo and Hanan Ben Ari."
A soldier arrived for a session with a psychologist — and fell victim to political preaching
M. (23), a reserve soldier in an elite unit who fought in the Gaza Strip, sought psychological help after returning home. However, instead of support, he encountered political preaching from psychologist Uri Levy.
Addressing the Post-Trauma Surge: A New Center for Reservists
The events of October 7 and the Iron Swords War have led to a sharp increase in the number of people dealing with trauma and PTSD. With approximately 26,000 war-wounded, 65% of whom face mental distress, the need for professional support is critical.
The battle is over, the injury remains — and the state is washing its hands of it
A soldier who takes his own life due to mental trauma after discharge is not recognized as a fallen IDF soldier. Despite the clear link between military service and death, the law fails to support bereaved families.
Reserve soldier Uriel Gethon takes his own life: "Wounds that no one sees"
Staff Sergeant (res.) Uriel Molto Gethon (24) took his own life last Thursday. "A painful reminder that not every wound is visible from the outside," wrote the brother of his friend, who fell in battle in Gaza. The IDF has reached out to his family to provide assistance in applying for recognition as a "fallen due to service."
Sights that shattered the soul: Shlomo was exposed to hundreds of fallen - now his family is fighting for him
Shlomo Arnon served more than 700 days of reserve duty at Camp Shura and Sde Teiman, and recently collapsed following the traumatic experiences he witnessed. Now his family is fighting for him: "The state and the community need to give him a warm embrace."
'We saw things that no human should see - and now they expect us to return to life' | Major (res.) Maya
The invisible wounds of intelligence soldiers may not have been caused by a bullet, but they are no less real. They were caused by what you saw, what you heard, what you knew, what you did, what you failed to prevent - and what you are forbidden to tell anyone.
'They are shooting Adi in the head, I am dying': They heard the massacre in real time — and are launching a struggle
Adi Gindi Grishpon was looking for her sister when a terrorist answered the phone and shouted "Jahannam" (Hell), and Shelly Meshal Yogev heard her daughter Libi saying goodbye to the family to the sound of gunfire. Despite the mental injury and trauma, the state refuses to recognize them and other family members as victims of hostilities solely due to an outdated law requiring physical presence at...
IDF veteran with PTSD asked to leave McDonald's due to service dog
Aviv, an IDF veteran suffering from PTSD, was asked to leave a McDonald's branch while dining with his family and his service dog. Staff cited a customer's allergy as the reason. McDonald's has since apologized, calling the incident an error in judgment.
Involved in an accident, became addicted to cannabis — and will receive 500 thousand shekels
A young man who was injured during his military service suffered a disability and is dealing with PTSD. The insurance company claimed there was no functional impact, but the judge reached a different conclusion.
66,000 requests, 43,000 wounded: "She sends her sons to die for her and then turns her back on them"
About 66,000 requests for recognition have been submitted since the outbreak of the war regarding about 43,000 wounded, and thousands are still waiting for a decision or a medical board. Those suffering from PTSD warned against the damage to rehabilitation: "Forced to fight for their rights."
Eyal Berkovic wants to be Prime Minister: The surprising goal of the former star
In the podcast "The Wizard and His Sons," Eyal Berkovic stated he would prefer the role of Prime Minister over coaching the national football team, citing a desire to address social injustices, particularly for soldiers suffering from PTSD.
William Shakin to be buried in Israel; IDF to assist family in recognition of service-related death
William Shakin, a lone soldier who fought since October 7, took his own life in the USA. The IDF conducted an investigation and found a potential link between his death and his military service. The family will receive assistance in the process of having him recognized as having "died in connection with service," with the final decision resting with the Ministry of Defense. His funeral will be...
National Insurance Institute approves benefits: a significant decision reached
Full tuition funding, a monthly stipend, and tax discounts: a 21-year-old woman who began a process to claim rights following her military service has received significant news. All the details.
The tragic death of William, a Gaza veteran: "He struggled alone and received no help"
William Shakin, a 25-year-old lone soldier from New York who fought in Gaza, died by suicide while struggling with PTSD. His parents are requesting a burial at Mount Herzl, claiming the state failed to provide necessary support. The Ministry of Defense stated that no request for recognition was found and that remote assistance services are available.

Due to trauma: 53 years after Syrian captivity, Ministry of Defense recognizes link to cancer
A medical committee of the Rehabilitation Department has determined there is a basis to recognize the link between the severe trauma experienced in captivity and the leukemia the former soldier developed at a relatively young age. The committee cited the severity of the trauma and its lasting impact, assigning a 50% permanent disability rating. Attorneys call it a precedent-setting decision...
"To restore their sense of security": how surfing becomes a rehabilitation tool for soldiers
Studies from recent years indicate that surfing therapy may reduce post-traumatic symptoms. The "Surfers Without Borders" organization has turned these findings into a rehabilitation program that combines surfing with professional guidance and a supportive community for trauma survivors.
"Let's try for a moment to judge people favorably, to understand that this country has experienced a lot"
The "PTSD Friendly" social project aims to make public spaces and restaurants in Israel accessible to trauma survivors by providing staff training and creating predictable, supportive environments.
Returned from reserve duty - and discovered a payslip of 0 shekels: "I felt that the country betrayed me"
While they bear the burden, reservists and their families face an employment market that turns its back on them. A casualty officer who accompanied the wounded was required to return to the office immediately: "They looked at me as if I had scammed someone." A reservist's wife says: "I was afraid of job interviews."
Not just therapy, but a home: The new maritime center that will restore hope to combat veterans
The "Ma'aganat HaBayit" center, to be established at the Shavit Marina in the Kishon, will offer combat veterans and their families therapeutic sailing, support groups, and art therapy as part of a holistic rehabilitation model of the "Choosing Life" program, recognized by the Ministry of Defense.

IDF Spokesperson revealed his post-trauma: "I don't know what damage I caused to my family"
Brigadier General Efi Defrin revealed that he has been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder following his military service, and the consequences it had: "You are driving in the summer and suddenly there is a flash of sun that freezes you for a second. You feel that you are in a tank now, they are shooting at you, and you are in the middle of Tel Aviv on a beach."
Therapists need an Iron Dome too
For almost three years, Israel has been in a continuous state of emergency. Amidst the ongoing war, the psychological burden on therapists has become critical, necessitating urgent systemic support.
The IDF casually gives up on 2,300 soldiers
While the Rehabilitation Department at the Ministry of Defense tries to implement the committee's spirit and restore the soldiers' sense of capability, the IDF Personnel Directorate acts with rigid templates, ignores the successful rehabilitation, and cuts off with a uniform decision the path that the soldier built with great effort.
Hostage survivor Evyatar David: "I am dealing with PTSD and flashbacks"
In his first post since returning from captivity, David describes the complex rehabilitation process: "Surviving is one thing - rehabilitating is a different battle." His family members have launched a crowdfunding campaign for him.
Hostage survivor Evyatar David asks for public help: "Dealing with PTSD"
Hostage survivor Evyatar David has spoken publicly for the first time about his challenging rehabilitation journey. He is seeking public support to help fund his recovery from PTSD and trauma.
A Space for Healing: Therapeutic Farm for Children with PTSD to Open in Sderot
A therapeutic farm will be established in Sderot to support children coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. The municipality, in collaboration with donors, is investing 16 million shekels into a facility that combines therapy, education, and community resilience programs.
Trauma After October 7: Why a Survivor Is Still Denied Permanent Disability Status
Despite a diagnosis of PTSD and medical evidence, the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) continues to assign only temporary disability status to an October 7 survivor. Attorney Gil Kraus calls this practice outrageous, noting that forcing victims to repeatedly prove their condition only deepens their psychological trauma.
Media Personality with PTSD Attacked Over Service Dog
Oved Perl, who suffers from PTSD after 450 days of reserve duty, faced discrimination at a Modiin greengrocer. Staff refused to let him enter with his service dog, and after he called the police, they began throwing vegetables at him.
When the sea becomes a space for rehabilitation: How surfing helps those dealing with PTSD
Without bureaucracy, without a time limit, and with a community that continues even after getting out of the water, the "Surfers Without Borders" association offers a unique rehabilitation model. "The distress exists from the first moment, and therefore the response must also be immediate."