Reservists in Israel are facing a growing mental health crisis, struggling to cope with repeated military call-ups. The Israeli government has authorized the mobilization of up to 450,000 reservists over three months, yet current participation is less than half that figure. This decline is largely attributed to:
- Exhaustion
- Economic hardships from repeated call-ups
- Anger towards haredi draft exemptions
- Loss of trust in the government
Mental Health Conditions
According to a report by Haaretz journalist Amir Tibon, many reservists receiving call-ups suffer from various mental health conditions that make them ineligible to serve. These conditions include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
In some instances, reservists have been called up despite being diagnosed with severe mental health issues.
Personal Stories
Tzemach David Schloss
Tzemach David Schloss is one individual who has faced the harsh realities of multiple call-ups while dealing with personal struggles. Over the last 19 months, he has spent nearly six months in the IDF reserves. He expressed his concerns, stating, "I’ve probably spent more time in uniform than my baby," highlighting the impact of his service on his family life. His wife gave birth prematurely due to complications related to her pregnancy, which were exacerbated by his deployment during Operation Shield Storm last year.
Emotional Impact on Families
Sapir Bluzer, co-founder of the Reservist Wives Forum, discussed the emotional toll on families due to the absence of their loved ones. She emphasized the need for greater understanding and support systems to address the psychological impacts associated with prolonged deployments.
Ongoing Challenges
In November 2023, Kaley Halperin interviewed her husband Yoni, who commanded a paratroopers unit. Initially hesitant to see his family for fear of weakening his resolve, Yoni struggled to adjust to life outside the military. Halperin encouraged him to remember the purpose of their peace efforts. Eighteen months later, she acknowledged the difficulties of sustaining the necessary detachment to maintain focus on the mission, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanity amidst the challenges of military service.
Government Response
The Israeli government has extended its authority for another month amidst opposition objections, stating that it should prioritize drafting haredim before forcing others back into service.
Advocacy and Resistance
Two members of the Soldiers For Hostages advocacy group received prison sentences last week for refusing to serve, citing "never-ending war" as their reason. They were among dozens arrested nationwide after protesting against recent call-ups amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Seeking Relief
Tal Zalcman is among many individuals experiencing similar challenges. After returning from reporting duty, he traveled to Thailand seeking relief through psychedelics and ice baths. He eventually enrolled in a monk ordination program at a Buddhist monastery but left, stating it resembled a cult-like environment. Zalcman plans to establish a men-only space providing overnight lodging focused on yoga, meditation, and alternative healing methods targeting current and former servicemen struggling with trauma-related issues.
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