In cooperation between coalition and opposition: Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz advanced the Combat PTSD Law today (Sunday) through the Knesset committee. The law will grant an official legal definition to combat PTSD for the first time in Israeli legislation, giving veterans legal status and recognizing the unique characteristics of this injury. Combat PTSD veterans will also receive personalized treatment through the Defense Ministry’s rehabilitation division.
The law will also expand eligibility for benefits, compensation, and payments to combat PTSD veterans and their families. The legislation is expected to pass its second and third readings as early as this week. In footage released from the emotional moments, combat PTSD veterans who came to the committee hearing are seen hugging the coalition chairman as joyful shouts ring out in the background: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.”
Omer Amsalem, a combat PTSD veteran from Operation Protective Edge, shared exclusive video with C14 from the emotional moments with Knesset Member Katz: “You made history, finally. You deserve it. We should have done this a long time ago. We passed on first reading a law that gives you the proper recognition you deserve. We’ll do a legislative blitz. I think this will be the fastest law, and we’ll pass it this week in second and third reading. You deserve it most in the world.”
In a conversation with C14, Amsalem noted that the only thing he has to say on the matter is: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.”