Rabbi Menachem Perl reveals his struggle with PTSD following service at Camp Shura

A courageous confrontation with the scars of war

In a courageous and vulnerable move, Rabbi Menachem Perl, a well-known figure in Religious Zionism and head of the Zomet Institute, has chosen to share his personal struggle with PTSD with the public. According to a report in ynet, Rabbi Perl's trauma stems from the harrowing experiences he endured while serving at Camp Shura, where the victims of the October 7 massacre were brought for identification.

A mission that left a mark

Rabbi Perl, who previously served as head of the Halacha branch in the Military Rabbinate and as a key figure in technological-halachic solutions, describes how the difficult scenes at Camp Shura deeply affected him. Today, he is assisted by a therapy dog that helps him with his daily routine—an unusual sight for a rabbi, but one that underscores the importance of mental health care.

The importance of transparency and treatment

In an interview with ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth," Rabbi Perl emphasizes that he believes there is no need to hide mental struggles. His testimony serves as an important reminder of the heavy psychological price paid even by those engaged in the sacred work of honoring the dead following the events of October 7. His personal story joins the broader public discourse in Israel regarding the need for comprehensive mental health support for everyone exposed to the horrors of war, highlighting that even public and rabbinical figures are not immune to the effects of trauma.

Sources

This article was automatically compiled and edited based on reports from Israeli news sources. Main source: ynet