President Rivlin:
“Soldiers with PTSD must understand that they are not alone. We sent them to battle. We are responsible for them. Soldiers with PTSD must not be invisible casualties. We must be there for them.”
Attached photo credit: Mark Neyman (GPO)
President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin delivered remarks today, Monday 10 May / 28 Iyyar, at the memorial ceremony for the fallen of the Six-Day War and the War of Attrition held at the Hall of Remembrance at Mt. Herzl. Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz also participated in the ceremony.
The president said, “The Six-Day War brought a huge and historic victory. It brought the Jewish people back to places it had dreamed of for many years, particularly to Jerusalem. I remember that we felt huge pride, and at the same time great pain for those comrades who did not come back from battle.”
“I know that there are those among us who came back from battle but continue to fight in their heads, their minds. They are still there. Over the last weeks, Israeli society has been engaged in a painful and pointed discussion about IDF wounded combat soldiers, and particularly about those suffering from PTSD. Soldiers with PTSD must understand that they are not alone. We sent them to battle. We are responsible for them. Soldiers with PTSD must not be invisible casualties. We must all be there for them,” he added.
The president spoke to the bereaved families, saying, “War comes at a cost. You paid the ultimate price. I will shortly complete my term as President of the State of Israel. Seven years ago, I promised you families that I will be your soldier. That is what I did and that is what I will do. And even though I am completing my term of office, I am not being discharged from service. As long as I live, I will hold the soldiers of the IDF and you families in my heart and will continue to work on your behalf.”