Idf veteran

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces PTSD in 80% of soldiers, Israeli study finds

While under the influence of MDMA, patients are believed to be able to engage with traumatic memories while experiencing emotional regulation, trust, and psychological safety.

The dedicated treatment suite established for the MDMA-assisted psychotherapy clinical trial, where participants undergo supervised eight-hour treatment sessions. Illustrative image.
IDF soldiers patrol by the Lebanese border in northern Israel, June 9, 2026

Defense Ministry, FIDF to establish new brain injury rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers

Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, who was caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground, sits during a hearing at a military appeals court in Tel Aviv during which he was charged with manslaughter on April 18, 2016.

Israel Katz's populist push to pardon Elor Azaria puts Israel at serious risk - comment

A banner flies at Rewild Festival, Ireland, July 10, 2026.

Irish music festival bans IDF veteran from attending in name of 'safe, welcoming, inclusive space'


Defense Ministry to grant NIS 3,000 for disabled IDF vet. students

The grant will be used to fund a computer for 500 disabled IDF veterans.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

Michal Herzog visits IDF vet who self-immolated

Itzik Saidian, a 26-year-old veteran of the Golani Brigade, arrived at the offices of the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division in Petah Tikva where he set himself on fire.

Michal Herzog, the wife of Israel's President Isaac Herzog, visited a disabled veteran who set himself on fire at a Defense Ministry office in April.

Defense Ministry launches improved services for disabled IDF veterans

The new online service is the first of several proposed ideas that the Defense Ministry hopes to launch as part of their reforms to the system.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

Defense Ministry appoints team to update PTSD evaluations for vets

Mental health treatment for IDF veterans has been in the spotlight since a disabled IDF war veteran set himself on fire in April in front of the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division.

Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz seen during a visit on the Israel-Lebanon border, Northern Israel, on November 17, 2020.

Israeli reform for soldiers suffering from PTSD moves forward

Most recently, disabled IDF veteran Itzik Saidian, who was suffering from PTSD following his service, sparked protest among Israelis regarding the inadequate treatment IDF soldiers receive.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Singer Idan Amedi visits IDF veteran Itzik Saidian at the hospital

At Saidian's bedside, Amedi chose to play the song "Nigmar," a song he wrote during his military service, which describes how Israeli society reacted to the end of the 2008-2009 war in Gaza.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Hundreds of disabled IDF veterans protest by Knesset, Defense Ministry

Promised reforms for the rights of disabled veterans have been stalled as the Finance and Defense ministries squabble over budget.

Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers protest outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, for better financial and medical aid and support,  May 5, 2021.

Blood donation event honoring Itzik Saidyan to save lives of 1,500

Former IDF Golani soldier who lit himself on fire about two weeks ago is still in critical condition • another soldier's commander "infuriated" at his being denied support 3 years after fighting

An Israeli soldier donates blood for Itzik Saidian at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, April 28, 2021.

Gantz scrutinizes Israel's rehab division after IDF vet self-immolated

During a tour of the Haifa rehabilitation division, Defense Minister Benny Gantz identified some urgent issues that will be addressed by the team working to reform the state's rehab facilities.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Disabled IDF veterans protest as Saidian remains in critical condition

Caregivers announce that they would be holding a full strike of services until the Defense Ministry fixes issues with their working conditions.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021