Israeli Combat Veteran Turns Personal Trauma Into Lifesaving Mental Health Initiative

Hagai Azran, an Israeli combat veteran who has lived with invisible wounds for over two decades, has transformed his personal struggle into a mission to help others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Speaking at Channel 14's Resilience and Mental Health Conference, Azran described how his injury, which began during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, went unrecognized for years until after Operation Guardian of the Walls reignited many trauma triggers.

Azran now co-leads the "Lomambulance" initiative, a volunteer-based project providing 24/7 emotional first aid to PTSD sufferers. Unlike clinical therapy, the service offers immediate empathetic support from people who understand the pain firsthand, including fellow combat veterans. Azran emphasized that often a single conversation with someone who truly comprehends the trauma can save lives.

He highlighted the broader scope of combat trauma, noting that it affects not only frontline soldiers but also support personnel, observers, and those involved in conflict aftermaths, such as body collectors on October 7. Azran criticized the current system for treating these cases like road accident victims, failing to grasp the unique nature of invisible combat injuries.

The Lomambulance project aims to reach those in their darkest moments when no one else can, providing comfort and understanding. Azran called this work a calling rather than a political or personal endeavor, stressing the urgent need for accessible support to prevent veterans from suffering alone, especially during late-night crises. He concluded that while not formal therapy, these supportive conversations are vital and life-saving.