American Golani Fighter William Shakin Laid to Rest in Jerusalem After Suicide

William (Will) Shakin, an American volunteer who served as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade and fought in Gaza, was buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem following his suicide in New York earlier this week. Shakin, who struggled with severe post-service mental health issues, was not officially recognized as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He immigrated to Israel after the October 7 massacre and enlisted through the Mahal program for foreign volunteers. During his service, he lost comrades in battle and experienced a significant mental health decline. Shakin lived at the "Benji's House" center for lone soldiers during his service, where staff maintained contact with his family due to his condition. After completing his service, he returned to the U.S., receiving close support until his arrival in New York, where Israeli military and defense ministry support ended.

Knesset Member Michal Waldiger, who attended the funeral, described Shakin as "Israeli in every fiber," highlighting his dedication and spirit. She recounted his determination to be the best soldier, his love for Israel, and his deep bonds with his unit and friends. Waldiger emphasized the ongoing struggles of soldiers like Shakin who return home with invisible wounds and pledged to continue advocating for full support and rehabilitation for veterans suffering from trauma. She noted that Shakin's story reflects the broader challenge of providing care for those who defend Israel but face lasting psychological scars after service.

Shakin's commander, Shahar Hager, praised his exceptional commitment, describing him as a soldier who treated his weapon with care and fought with passion. Despite his toughness, Shakin was also a young man who deeply missed home and found a new family in the Golani Brigade. His tragic death underscores the critical need for comprehensive mental health support for soldiers, especially lone volunteers who face unique challenges during and after their service.