Combat Veteran Shamir Benita Condemns Political Neglect of PTSD Soldiers in Knesset Debate

Shamir Benita, a representative of the Combat Veterans Forum, spoke out after a heated Knesset committee discussion on the status and rights of soldiers suffering from combat trauma and their families. Benita criticized politicians and officials for discriminating against wounded veterans in terms of recognition and benefits, despite their ongoing service to the country. He emphasized that soldiers are honored when they enlist but marginalized once injured, saying, "At 18, they give us a nice pin, 'You are fighters,' but when we get hurt, we become last on the list."

Benita, who recently completed reserve duty, described the emotional toll of continuing to serve while feeling neglected by the system. He also criticized the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization, accusing it of prioritizing membership numbers over individual needs. The forum's struggle aims to secure justice for all soldiers injured in combat or training, whether physically or mentally.

Explaining the daily reality of living with combat trauma, Benita said it means "living the war day after day," always prepared for the worst, which complicates even simple family plans. He shared a personal example about hesitating to plan his home’s living room due to uncertainty about the future.

Benita concluded by clarifying that their fight is not against the state itself but against the politicians and bureaucrats representing it. "If I didn’t believe change was possible, I wouldn’t be here," he said, expressing hope for reform even if it does not materialize.