A first-of-its-kind event since the outbreak of the war took place last night (Thursday): 400 combat trauma survivors from all of Israel’s wars—from the Six-Day War to the current ‘Swords of Iron’ campaign in Gaza—gathered at an event organized by the “Combat Trauma Forum.” Alongside hundreds of male and female veterans, dozens of service dogs and volunteers who help with the psychological rehabilitation of trauma survivors also took part. The event included discussion circles, intergenerational connections between fighters, and conversations around the demand for greater governmental and public recognition.
The New Generation Meets the Old
“The talks with veterans who’ve been carrying this for decades helped me a lot,” said Yinon, a fighter from the Swords of Iron war who fought in Khan Yunis. “I gained new insights, practical tips, and above all, a feeling that I’m not alone.” During the evening, veterans from the Yom Kippur War met with elite unit fighters from the Gaza battles, who are now beginning to show early symptoms of PTSD.
Time for Official Recognition
The gathering was meant not only to provide emotional support, but also to solidify a collective demand from the State of Israel. Nadav Wirsch, chairman of the forum and a trauma survivor himself, spoke before the crowd: “Unfortunately, we have no real representation. We are invisible. The state must grant a ‘Purple Insignia’ to combat trauma victims—just like in other armies. It’s a simple demand for recognition, not just symbolic appreciation.”
Shamir Benita, a forum member who was wounded in Lebanon and returned to reserve duty in the Swords of Iron war, added: “The country is important to me, and that’s why I returned to serve. But we need to know we’re supported. Those who send us into battle must also embrace us when we return.”
PTSD Numbers Revealed
According to data from the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense published recently, 19,000 requests were submitted following the Swords of Iron war—almost half (47%) due to combat trauma or PTSD symptoms.
The forum’s main demand is for full institutional and public recognition of those wounded in their minds even if not in their bodies, and who carry the battle with them every single day.
