An urgent assembly convened by advocacy groups for aid to PTSD sufferers among Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans took place on Tuesday afternoon in the Knesset. This meeting was prompted by the tragic suicides of war veterans Bar Kalaf and Or Donio. Notably, the IDF declined to send any representatives to this crucial conference, prompting the chairman of the caucus, MK Michael Biton, to express his disappointment. He stressed that it was "improper" for the IDF to abstain from the discussion and assured that he would be present for any following discussions.
Opening the assembly, MK Biton shared a personal story that spurred his involvement in PTSD issues within the Ministry of Defense. He revealed, "Three years ago, my son, who served in the Golani brigade, almost took his own life after leaving the country. During that challenging period, he was represented by lawyers before the Ministry of Defense."
The @IDF is using music therapy to treat soldiers suffering from PTSD as part of a multi-million pound reform to the way it supports veterans. My latest in @Telegraph. #Israel #mentalhealthhttps://t.co/uM3JMDvvP8
ā Melanie Swan (@melanie_swan_) August 7, 2023
However, this personal account did little to placate IDF veteran Omer Amsalem, a PTSD sufferer. Amsalem pointedly criticized Biton and other Knesset members, proclaiming, "I am a formidable warrior, but this feels like an insignificant battle to you." He emotionally spoke about his friend, Eyal, who he claims is the reason he's still alive, adding, "You've been detrimental to my life. If it weren't for Eyal, I might have been the next one to end my life. You're failing us."
Visibly distressed, Amsalem continued, "I've witnessed people perish in combat. Do I also need to watch them suffer afterward?" He was referencing instances where PTSD-afflicted IDF veterans self-immolated. In a poignant plea, he urged the assembly members, "Stand up from your seats, act. Enough of this neglect." Concluding his heart-wrenching speech, he abruptly exited the room, exclaiming, "Goodbye, and damn you all."
Earlier in the assembly, another veteran, Raz Hajaj, shared his personal struggle with PTSD, highlighting the shame and stigma that many veterans feel, leading them down a dark, suicidal path. He poignantly stated, "The pressure to maintain an image of strength while internally crumbling is unbearable. I've been there, hiding my pain from even my parents."
The man had applied to be recognized as disabled by the IDF, but the application was rejected on the grounds that he was suffering from a mental illness that is not post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
ā The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) August 1, 2023
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Joining the discussion, MK Yitzhak Kreuzer, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit faction, emphasized unity, saying, "We are interconnected. If one of us suffers, we all do." He elaborated on his immediate call for an emergency caucus with MK Michael Biton following Or Donio's tragic passing to prevent further tragedies. Kreuzer concluded, "These brave individuals battled for us on the frontlines. Their struggles persist, and we must amplify their voices and advocate for their well-being."
