Israeli Families Struggle with Ongoing Trauma as Soldiers Continue Fighting

In the aftermath of the intense conflicts since October 7, 2023, many Israeli families continue to endure severe psychological scars, even if they were not directly on the battlefield. The emotional toll is particularly acute for parents whose children have been continuously fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, as described by journalist Shay Lahav. He recounts meeting a friend whose two sons have been in combat since the outbreak of hostilities, and who himself suffers from profound anxiety and stress, sharing the burden of his sons' danger.

Lahav emphasizes that the trauma experienced by families of soldiers is distinct and often overlooked compared to the general national trauma. He highlights the importance of recognizing that the "burden-sharing" in war extends beyond the soldiers to their close relatives, who face ongoing mental strain. Even as some fronts have quieted, many reservists remain deployed, keeping families in a state of heightened anxiety.

The article calls for greater societal awareness and support for these families, including psychological care and material benefits such as funded vacations to help them cope. Lahav stresses that beyond tangible aid, what is most needed is recognition and appreciation to prevent these families from feeling isolated and invisible. He shares his own experience of emotional distancing from those who failed to understand the hardships faced by families of combatants.

Lahav concludes that if the state insists on the inevitability of combat service, it must also honor and support the families who fight alongside their loved ones in spirit. The article also briefly touches on unrelated topics, including migration issues in North Africa and critiques of recent television series, but the core focus remains on the invisible wounds borne by Israeli families during ongoing military operations.