A former police officer, previously injured during his service and engaged in a prolonged dispute with the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department, set himself on fire this morning (Friday) in front of the department head’s home in a village near Jerusalem.
Emergency medical teams responded immediately, providing first aid at the scene before evacuating him to Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. He is in critical but stable condition, with burns covering his entire body.
Officials from the Ministry of Defense and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hadassah Medical Center reported: “A man, approximately 45 years old, was admitted to the trauma unit this morning with severe burns across his body. He is sedated, intubated, and receiving intensive care in the hospital’s ICU.”
Doron Kadosh reports:
- He was injured in 2013 while serving as a patrol officer when a mentally unstable individual threw a stone at him, striking his head.
- He is divorced and has three children; social services continue to support the family.
- He is a recognized disabled veteran, with 30% PTSD and physical disabilities resulting from the injury. His past also includes several incidents of violent behavior.
- For the past two years, he has sought recognition as fully disabled (100%+), which would entitle him to housing. Repeated attempts to provide him with assistance and housing solutions have failed.
This shocking event highlights ongoing concerns about the mental health and welfare of veterans and former security personnel dealing with post-traumatic stress.
