Two MKs urge Kats to recognize Roi Wasserstein, reservist who died by suicide, as fallen soldier

In separate letters, the MKs described Wasserstein’s extensive combat service during he ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the severe psychological toll it took on him.

Disclaimer: This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide and PTSD.

MK Meirav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid and MK Etty Chava Atia of the Likud appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday to reconsider the IDF’s decision not to recognize reservist Roi Wasserstein as a fallen soldier.

In separate letters, the MKs described Wasserstein’s extensive combat service during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the severe psychological toll it took on him.

“I am addressing you on behalf of the Wasserstein family, with an urgent request to recognize their son, Roi, of blessed memory, as a fallen soldier of the IDF,” Ben Ari wrote. “Roi, 24 years old, served as a combat soldier in the 401st Battalion, in the Armored Corps, in a regular combat unit. During the war, he took part in intense combat operations in the Gaza Strip for over 300 days.”

“As a result of the intense fighting, Roi suffered severe emotional trauma and returned home deeply affected, both mentally and emotionally,” she continued. “Unfortunately, Roi did not receive proper psychological and professional treatment.

“Just a few days after completing his military service, on Wednesday, July 30, Roi took his own life.”

Ben Ari urged Katz to reconsider the IDF’s decision, saying, “His role in the combat zone, the severe psychological impact he endured, and the heavy price he paid with his life, demand such recognition and national responsibility.”

Similarly, Atia wrote in her letter to Katz, “The harsh and prolonged fighting in Gaza left deep psychological scars that tragically led him to take his own life.”

“Despite this, Roi’s inner world remained tightly bound to his military experience and unit, and it is clear that the trauma he carried stemmed directly from his combat service. His fellow soldiers, commanders, and family testify to the suffering he endured and to the terrible price he paid.”

“As someone who is well-acquainted with the procedures of the Defense Ministry, I understand the complexities in recognizing Roi Wasserstein z”l as a fallen IDF soldier,” she added. “However, I am convinced that in this case, given the proximity of his death to his discharge, the severe post-trauma symptoms, and the testimonies of those closest to him, this is an extraordinary circumstance that warrants extraordinary consideration. Even if his death did not occur in a combat zone, it was clearly the result of injuries sustained in one.”

Katz’s response

Katz responded to the situation after receiving the letters from the MKs, saying he had instructed the IDF to provide “all possible assistance” to Wasserstein’s family, including assisting with funeral arrangements and military honors.

Additionally, Katz added that the IDF Personnel Directorate is “in ongoing and continuous contact with the family.”

Wasserstein, who served over 300 days as an IDF reservist in the 401st Armored Brigade, committed suicide on Wednesday. The military said it was refusing to recognize Wasserstein as a fallen soldier as he was not on reserve duty at the time of his suicide, Army Radio journalist Doron Kadosh first reported on Thursday.

According to Kadosh, who wrote his report with the Wasserstein family’s permission, Roi had been sharing difficult experiences from his reserve service and spoke repeatedly about the horrors that he had experienced.

Kadosh reported that the IDF told him that “a civilian who is not in active reserve service at the time of suicide is not recognized as an IDF casualty, and there is no intention to change this.” Wasserstein’s most recent reserve duty ended in May, Kadosh noted.

He faced experiences which traumatized him during his role in the brigade’s medical evacuation unit, Kadosh clarified.