This morning began with updates from the frontlines. I then presented at the Health Committee in the Knesset, raising an issue that can no longer be ignored: the urgent need for a multi-year plan to support soldiers and security personnel facing post-traumatic symptoms.

I'm Eliav Ser, a serial entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, and high-tech. Today, I’m not just writing as a tech leader or founder. I’m here as someone who experienced post-traumatic stress firsthand during this ongoing conflict, as well as through the stories of friends and comrades whose lives have been forever changed.

After losing my dear friend and hero, Maj. Sagi Golan, who saved dozens of families at Kibbutz Be'eri, I knew I had to act. I paused everything to focus on a startup designed to help soldiers and veterans suffering from PTSD. The need for support has never been more pressing, and it’s clear: we must build a system to address the mental health crisis now – before it overwhelms us.

The Mental Health Tsunami is Already Here

More than a year of intense fighting has taken a devastating toll on the mental health of our soldiers and reservists.

According to projections, the number of PTSD cases among security forces will increase by 172% by 2030.

Around 76% of soldiers return to the battlefield after receiving only basic, “band-aid” care – temporary relief that fails to address the deeper trauma. Experts warn that untreated post-traumatic symptoms will evolve into chronic PTSD, especially with the looming threats of further escalations. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

The signs are everywhere:

– Officers afraid to be in crowded places.

– Friends who can’t get out of bed or focus at work.

– Simple noises, like the rattle of a bridge, triggering panic attacks.

Our security forces are breaking, and without immediate intervention, the worst is yet to come.

Why a Multi-Year Plan is Essential

Unlike physical injuries, which are visible and treated with prosthetics and rehab, mental injuries are often invisible—even to those suffering from them. Early detection is key, but soldiers struggling with PTSD often remain undiagnosed until it’s too late.

The solution demands a comprehensive, multi-year effort that includes:

– Awareness and early screening programs to identify trauma early.

– Technology-driven solutions to provide scalable care with fewer resources.

– Cross-departmental collaboration—health, defense, and welfare ministries must unite to ensure no one slips through the cracks.

We can learn from global models. In the U.S., successful veteran reintegration relies on gradual reintegration into society with structured support systems and mental health programs. With the right tools, we can adopt similar practices and tailor them to meet the needs of our soldiers and reservists.

This is a Call to Action: All Hands on Deck

I'm writing today as more than just a concerned citizen. I am a founder working in mental health innovation, and I know technology can transform lives. But technology alone won't solve this. It takes a national effort—a commitment across government, businesses, and society to give these heroes the support they need.

Without action, 40% of soldiers could develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms by the end of this year. Over 8,000 soldiers will join the rehabilitation system in 2024 alone. But this is only the beginning—the true wave of mental health challenges lies ahead.

The reality is stark: our security forces either come back in coffins or return home with trauma. There is no middle ground.

We owe it to them to create a supportive system with the resources to prevent further suffering.

Our soldiers have done their part. Now it’s time for us to do ours. We must build a multi-year plan that places the mental health of our troops at the top of the national agenda.

This crisis is not just the military’s problem—it’s society’s responsibility. As I said today in the Knesset: the mental health tsunami is coming. We can’t wait for it to hit us unprepared.

A Personal Plea: Call for Unity

On a personal note, I can tell you—**we reservists are collapsing.** My friends have lost jobs, relationships, businesses, and even their sanity. Many of us have spent nearly 200 days in reserves this past year alone. This can’t go on.

It’s time to step up. We need everyone to contribute—no exceptions.

Closing Thoughts and Questions for You:

– What role do you believe technology can play in addressing mental health challenges at scale?

– How can we foster better collaboration across ministries to tackle PTSD more effectively?

Thank you for reading. Together, we can make a difference.