Itzik Saidian spoke at the gala event of Sheba Medical Center, where he has been treated at the burn unit since he set himself on fire and was fatally injured last year in front of the offices of the Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department in Petah Tikva.

Itzik has become a national figure in recent years for his efforts in raising awareness on all matters that have to do with post-traumatic veterans. "I am very excited to be here. I want to thank God almighty who brought me this far, and my family who have been with me all along," Saidian said passionately. "Especially to my dear and beloved mother, who has been with me 24/7 since the first day I arrived in Sheba," he added. "I am definitely living proof that innovation saves lives, thanks to the medical staff who treated me with great dedication. It is important for me to say that I have set myself the goal of continuing to make the voices of IDF wounded soldiers heard, and I will continue to be a massive supporter of them while Promoting life-saving projects for all veterans who suffer from any mental or physical disabilities. " The Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns at Sheba Hospital, headed by Professor Yossi Haik, deserves great credit for Itzik’s rehabilitation. Saidian served as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade, fought in Operation protective edge and participated in the complex battle in Sajaiya, in which seven soldiers were killed. He was recognized as suffering from post-trauma as well as suffering from disabilities. In the years since then, he has struggled to increase the level of disabilities recognized by the government, with all his applications being rejected. Since that incident in which he set himself on fire, he has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the National Burns Unit of Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer. In a recording last January posted on social media on the international Doctor's Day, Saidian said: "Hello dear doctors, I, Itzik Saidian, would like to wish the doctors an amazing day and thank Sheba Hospital, the Burns Department and all of my personal doctors, Professor Haik and Dr. Haretz, for all their amazing work.”