Self-Immolation Survivor Itzik Seidian Discusses His Journey to Faith and Advocacy
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Five years after his self-immolation protest, veteran Itzik Seidian discussed his recovery and advocacy for combat veterans. He described his struggles with PTSD after intense battles, the Ministry of Defense's denial of his disability claim, and his decision to take extreme action. Seidian survived his injuries and has since found faith and purpose, now working to inspire others to find meaning and appreciate life.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Veteran Itzik Seidian set himself on fire five years ago protesting treatment of combat veterans.
- He suffered from PTSD after intense battles during Operation Protective Edge.
- The Ministry of Defense denied his disability claim, stating his condition predated service.
- Seidian survived his severe injuries and underwent a long recovery process.
- He has since embraced faith and is now an advocate for veterans.
- Seidian aims to inspire others to find meaning and appreciate life.
Five years after setting himself on fire in protest of the state's treatment of combat veterans, Itzik Seidian has spoken about his recovery and new mission. In an interview with Hidabroot, Seidian described the profound personal and systemic struggles he faced, explaining how the incident that shocked the nation became the foundation for his current work advocating for the rehabilitation of fighters.
Seidian's difficulties began during the 2014 "Operation Protective Edge" while serving as a young commander in the Golani Brigade. He fought in intense battles, including the "Nekam-Sh" incident in Shuja'iyya, where he lost close friends. He recounted experiencing guilt and nightmares, questioning his survival and feeling disconnected. However, he also felt shame and fear of stigma, believing that admitting to post-traumatic stress would label him as mentally ill and unmanly.
The breaking point came when the Ministry of Defense denied his claim for disability, suggesting his condition predated his military service. Seidian expressed anger at this, questioning why he was drafted with a high profile if he was already unwell, only to be abandoned after serving and risking his life. He decided on the extreme act at the Rehabilitation Division, believing a significant shock was necessary to force change, noting that some veterans from the Yom Kippur War still lacked recognition after 50 years.
His near-fatal act resulted in six months on life support and a difficult fight for survival. Reflecting on his actions, Seidian stated it was the opposite of appreciating the life he received, regretting his lack of value for his previous life. However, he acknowledged that the incident significantly altered the public discourse on veteran care, ultimately saving lives.
Emerging from his recovery, Seidian embarked on a spiritual journey, embracing faith, Hasidism, and the teachings of Rabbi Nachman and the Yemima method, even returning to surfing. He explained that losing everything prompted his search for religious connection and a deeper understanding of his purpose. Today, a kippah-wearing Seidian, bearing both physical and emotional scars, emphasizes that recovery and life depend on actively choosing to find meaning in pain and focusing on what one has. His current mission is to inspire others to love life, appreciate their blessings, choose meaning, and embrace new beginnings.