Israeli Veteran Shares PTSD Recovery Journey at UN After Near-Fatal Sniper Wound

Tzviki Barkai, wounded by a sniper during Israel's 2008-2009 Operation Cast Lead, has lived with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for nearly two decades. Despite surviving a bullet that pierced his helmet by a millimeter, the psychological impact haunted him with nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety. Barkai initially concealed his trauma due to stigma and lack of awareness about PTSD in Israel at the time.

After years of denial and superficial therapy, Barkai found transformative help through aquatic therapy with Einat Tasarfati, who became both his therapist and partner. The therapy allowed him to confront his trauma safely and gradually regain control over his symptoms. In 2015, Tasarfati founded the Einot Bar Center in Israel’s northern Negev, which has grown into a leading therapeutic facility serving thousands.

The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack triggered a severe relapse in Barkai’s PTSD symptoms and transformed the center into a trauma treatment hub for survivors from Gaza-border communities. Barkai closed his businesses to focus on advocating for PTSD awareness and treatment. Together with Tasarfati, he has launched an international campaign culminating in his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he called for global recognition of trauma and mental health resources.

Barkai emphasized the invisible nature of PTSD and the urgent need to destigmatize it in Israel and worldwide. He urged government support for mental health services, noting that much of their work relies on nonprofits and donations. Concluding his UN speech, Barkai said he fights not just to survive but to help others reclaim their lives after trauma, embodying hope for post-traumatic growth.