Lawyer Details Psychological Trauma of Israelis Post-October 7
Attorney Michal Shapira has described the severe psychological toll on Israeli soldiers, rescue workers, and civilians following the October 7th Hamas attacks. In an interview, Shapira explained that the legal battles waged on behalf of victims against the National Insurance Institute and the Ministry of Defense offer more than just financial compensation; they provide crucial validation that their suffering is real.
Shapira, who heads a law firm in Ma'ale Efraim representing individuals with physical and mental injuries, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the cases her office is handling. This includes first responders and ZAKA volunteers who arrived at attack sites while fighting was still ongoing, encountering extreme violence and situations far beyond their training. Even individuals with prior exposure to difficult events struggled to cope with the scale of brutality witnessed on October 7th.
The ongoing conflict has also reawakened dormant traumas in many Israelis. Shapira noted cases of women experiencing postpartum depression, insomnia, and anger, often without understanding the root cause until the underlying trauma is identified. She emphasized the importance of uncovering the personal narrative behind the symptoms, stating that people don't typically lose their will to live or experience severe anxiety without a profound reason.
Shapira shared an anecdote about a southern community security team member who initially downplayed his experiences from October 7th, but whose symptoms indicated a deeper trauma. Through further conversation, a difficult story emerged that he had struggled to articulate. Similarly, a woman who had battled cancer found herself unable to return to work after recovery, only realizing the extent of her near-death experience once the immediate threat had passed. Shapira explained that during a crisis, the mind enters survival mode, and the full impact of the danger is processed only when the threat recedes.
Beyond financial claims, Shapira believes the core need for many victims is recognition and validation of their suffering. Many have lost jobs and income, and some have even lost connections with family, yet still question the legitimacy of their distress. Receiving official recognition, such as a PTSD diagnosis, serves as crucial validation. Shapira recounted the case of a 57-year-old woman who, after receiving National Insurance recognition for a childhood sexual assault, publicly displayed the document, stating, 'See, I'm not crazy. I'm right.' Shapira views her work as a form of 'soldiership' for God, using her legal 'teeth' to help people.
Shapira also described the challenges of navigating medical committees, where individuals must condense years of suffering into brief testimonies, sometimes facing skeptical doctors. She noted that even psychiatrists involved in these committees can be overwhelmed by the graphic accounts of trauma, with some requesting not to hear the full details. Shapira, a mother of children and wife of a reservist, lives in Ma'ale Efraim, emphasizing her commitment to living in a place that connects with the 'real Israeli people.' Her staff also comprises women from diverse backgrounds, many personally affected by the war through their husbands' reserve duty and childcare responsibilities.
