Israeli Reservists from Shura Identification Unit Struggle with PTSD One Year After War

One year after their story was first revealed by Kan News, reservists from the Shura casualty identification unit continue to face severe psychological challenges stemming from their service during the recent conflict. Many are still battling post-traumatic stress disorder, undergoing psychiatric hospitalizations, and receiving prolonged treatments while striving to reintegrate into normal life.

Among them is Shlomo Arnon, who identified remains over hundreds of days of reserve duty and now lives in a therapeutic facility following a mental health decline. He suffers from recurring nightmares, memory impairments, anxiety attacks, chronic pain, and difficulty performing daily tasks. His condition has also caused estrangement from his family and financial debts. Attempts to return to work have resulted in relapses triggered by everyday sights that revive traumatic memories from his service.

Another reservist, Tamar Miller, continues mental health treatment after experiencing suicidal thoughts. She is making initial progress through therapy and volunteering but acknowledges that her recovery is far from complete. Mental health professionals emphasize that prolonged exposure to war horrors can become ingrained in a person’s identity and persist for years. They stress the importance of early distress recognition, ongoing support, and treatment.

The reservists collectively express a plea not to be forgotten once their wartime mission concludes, highlighting the enduring burden they carry long after active combat has ended.