Israel Establishes New National Authority for Wounded Soldiers
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Israel has appointed Brigadier General (Res.) Shachar Bak as the first head of the new National Authority for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of IDF and Security Forces Casualties. This initiative transforms the former Rehabilitation Department into a national body with expanded powers and a NIS 1 billion annual budget increase. The change aims to improve services for approximately 30,000 casualties since October 7th, many of whom suffer from psychological injuries, by reducing bureaucracy and enhancing support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shachar Bak appointed as the first head of Israel's new National Authority for Wounded Soldiers.
- The Rehabilitation Department is now a national authority with expanded powers and budget.
- Approximately 30,000 casualties have been processed since October 7th, many with psychological injuries.
- The annual budget for wounded soldiers' rehabilitation has increased by NIS 1 billion.
- The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve treatment and mental health support.
Israel has appointed Brigadier General (Res.) Shachar Bak as the first head of the newly established National Authority for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of IDF and Security Forces Casualties. This appointment marks the completion of a significant transformation of the Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department into a national authority with expanded powers and budget. The move aligns with a government decision and recommendations from a public committee led by Professor Mor Yosef.
Bak, who has served as acting head of the Rehabilitation Department, is a wounded IDF veteran himself and has held senior positions including military aide to the State Comptroller and commander of the Yahalom special engineering unit. He previously headed the National Authority for Mine and Unexploded Ordnance Clearance. His new role will focus on improving treatment and services for disabled veterans and their families.
The transformation includes a significant budget increase of NIS 1 billion annually, the addition of 280 positions, and the implementation of advanced technologies to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy. The goal is to shorten waiting times, expand rehabilitation services, and improve access to mental health support and benefits.
Since October 7th, approximately 30,000 IDF and security forces casualties have been processed by the Rehabilitation Department. Notably, a majority of these casualties are dealing with psychological injuries. In response, the number of therapists has tripled, and the budget has increased by 88% to address these needs.
Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Amir Yifrah, stated that Bak's appointment is a key milestone in the national commitment to wounded soldiers and their families, calling the transformation a "conceptual revolution" in the services provided.
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