Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Israeli Air Force navigator recognized as fallen soldier after PTSD-related suicide
Jerusalem Post ^ | April 6, 2026 | James Genn

Posted on 04/09/2026 9:11:53 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege

The Defense Ministry has recognized Israel Air Force navigator Maj. (res.) Asaf Dagan as a fallen soldier, his family announced on Monday.

Dagan committed suicide on October 23, 2024, while not serving in active duty, after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms. Initially, he was not recognized as a fallen soldier or permitted a military funeral. However, a court ruling permitted him a military funeral, but in a civilian cemetery, reports at the time said.

The Dagan family continued to fight for his recognition due to evidence linking his PTSD to his military service, particularly after he continued his reservist duty during an intensified service following the October 7, 2023, massacre.

“This is a correction of a deep injustice and a clear message – ‘moral injury’ in pilots, which leads to the development of PTSD, is a service injury,” the Dagan family said in response to the ministry’s decision.

As a result of the decision, the Dagan family will be recognized as a bereaved family.


(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...


TOPICS: Israel
KEYWORDS: idf; israel; ptsd; veteran

1 posted on 04/09/2026 9:11:53 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: CondoleezzaProtege

God recognized him as a hero and a fallen soldier…..so did his family and those who know God’s heart.
And that’s all that really matters.
RIP Asaf


2 posted on 04/09/2026 11:20:03 PM PDT by doc maverick
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: doc maverick

Agree. Al that really matters is what God thinks.


3 posted on 04/09/2026 11:42:43 PM PDT by b4me (Pray, and let God change you. He knows better than you or anyone else, who He made you to be.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: doc maverick

I think God takes suicide on a case-by-case basis. I don’t know if this pilot was a Christian or not, though. There’s only one way to heaven.


4 posted on 04/10/2026 12:09:47 AM PDT by roving
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: roving

Took it for the team.


5 posted on 04/10/2026 5:53:54 AM PDT by DIRTYSECRET
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: CondoleezzaProtege

What traumatic event caused his PTSD?

Does the family have an economic interest in pursuing the classification for the severe mental trauma he suffered in keeping track of the location of the plane? “the Dagan family will be recognized as a bereaved family.”


6 posted on 04/10/2026 7:38:15 AM PDT by PAR35
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PAR35

“Ari Kalker joins the show under heartbreaking circumstances to tell the story of Josh Boone, a lone soldier from Boise, Idaho, who became a decorated IDF sniper and a relentless “guardian of Israel,” logging an almost unbelievable 748 days of reserve duty before PTSD took his life. This episode pulls you past the headlines and into the hidden cost of a long war: how trauma shows up, why the “strongest guy in the room” is often the last to ask for help and what real intervention looks like when bureaucracy moves too slowly. You’ll also learn the crucial distinction between PTSD and the lesser-known phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, and why Josh’s death has triggered a high-stakes fight in the Knesset over recognition, dignity and where a fallen warrior should be laid to rest.”

https://youtu.be/fH_7Bi1PyhM?si=Ntp1gcha8yWpv2T2


7 posted on 04/10/2026 7:39:43 AM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: CondoleezzaProtege

I can see why a sniper might have mental conflict leading to PTSD. Having a lot more trouble seeing it with a navigator in an aircraft. Unless he screwed up and say targeted a school instead of a legitimate military target. Or had a plane shot out from under him and had a rough go of escape and evasion - but I’m guessing that would have merited mention in the story.


8 posted on 04/10/2026 7:44:34 AM PDT by PAR35
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: CondoleezzaProtege

Why would you post this trivial crap


9 posted on 04/10/2026 8:51:46 AM PDT by pissant ((Deport them all))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson