Remembering IDF soldiers who lost their lives to hidden wounds - opinion

The author shares a deeply personal and somber reflection on the hidden wounds of war, prompted by the distant sound of an IDF helicopter. The piece centers on the tragic suicides of two young Jewish Americans, Alex Miller and William Shakin, who enlisted in the IDF out of love for Israel and their people.

Alex Miller, a 23-year-old, was wounded in a 2022 terror attack and underwent a difficult rehabilitation process before returning to service. Despite his bravery, he struggled with deep trauma from the attack and the loss of a close friend in Gaza. After returning to America, he took his own life. William Shakin, who immigrated to Israel after the October 7 massacre, served as a combat soldier in Gaza and also lost dear friends in the conflict.

These stories underscore the devastating psychological toll of military service. The author emphasizes that the trauma experienced by soldiers like Alex and William can have lasting and fatal consequences, even after they have left the battlefield and returned home. The piece serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the silent battles fought by those who serve.