William (Will) Shakin, a US resident who volunteered to serve in the 'Israeli' military and fought in combat in the Gaza Strip, took his own life in New York.
US-based 'Israeli' military volunteer dies by suicide
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- Family alleges Gaza combat left him traumatized.
- Shakin reportedly lacked official PTSD recognition and support.
- Parents seek military burial at Mount Herzl.
William (Will) Shakin, a US resident who volunteered to serve in the 'Israeli' military and fought in combat in the Gaza Strip, took his own life in New York after allegedly suffering severe mental distress following his military service.
Shakin immigrated to 'Israel' following the October 7 events and enlisted through the Mahal program for overseas volunteers.
He served as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion in Gaza, where he lost close friends fighting alongside him, leading to a severe deterioration in his mental health.
Lack of support
During his service in 'Israel', Shakin resided at HaBayit shel Benji, a home providing accommodation and care for lone soldiers.
Upon the completion of his service, staff members at the facility contacted his parents directly due to rising concerns over his mental health.
Although Shakin received close support up until his departure flight to New York, assistance from the 'Israeli' military and the Defense Ministry ceased once he arrived overseas.
Haim Meizlish, a volunteer with the Navigating nonprofit -which provides support to lone soldiers experiencing mental health difficulties in New York- noted that Shakin was never formally recognized as suffering from PTSD during his military tenure and was left without required care.
"According to Meizlish, the Defense Ministry required Shakin to return to 'Israel' to appear before recognition committees. He said this posed a significant difficulty, as returning to 'Israel' would have separated Shakin from his family support system in the US."
Meizlish highlighted broader systemic limitations facing wounded veterans and combat-related trauma victims residing in the United States, pointing out that approximately 1,200 such registered cases are currently handled by only two Defense Ministry representatives assigned to the country.
Dispute over military burial
Following Shakin’s death, his parents initiated efforts to bring their son's body to 'Israel' for burial in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl.
However, the family's request has encountered legal and public opposition from the Defense Ministry, in part because Shakin was never formally recognized as a combat trauma victim.
While Shakin's family has accused Defense Ministry officials of shirking responsibility for the situation, Minister Ofir Sofer pledged to try to assist the family in bringing Shakin to 'Israel' for burial on Mount Herzl.
