Since the events of 7 October, thousands of Ofakim residents have been trying to get back to normal life — but for many, the body has come home and the mind is still there.
The noises, the memories, the hypervigilance, the fear of leaving the house, the difficulty sleeping, the anxiety and the sense that something inside has changed — all of these can be signs of PTSD.
What many people do not know is that PTSD arising from terror incidents and war can qualify for recognition and for significant rights from the National Insurance Institute.
“I have not been the same person since that day”
Many residents of Ofakim describe feelings such as:
- Constant fear
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Sensitivity to noise
- Difficulty being alone
- A decline in functioning at work
- Irritability and restlessness
- Social withdrawal
- Fear of leaving the children alone
Even people who never had a mental health difficulty before find themselves facing a very real struggle.
PTSD is a real injury — not a “weakness”
Many people avoid asking for help because they feel: “other people had it worse than me”.
PTSD is not measured only by what happened — but by the effect the event has had on your life.
Even if you were not physically injured, were not in combat and did not lose a family member — you may still be entitled to recognition as a hostile-action casualty.
Ofakim residents may be entitled to:
- Recognition as a hostile-action casualty
- Psychological disability percentages
- Monthly allowances
- Financial compensation
- State-funded psychological treatment
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Income tax benefits
- Reimbursement of medical expenses
💡 Worth knowing
In certain cases the entitlements can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of shekels over the years. An initial eligibility check with us commits you to nothing.
Why do people not claim what they are entitled to?
Many residents of Ofakim simply do not know:
- What they are entitled to
- How to start
- Which documents are needed
- What to say at a medical committee
- And how to prove PTSD to the National Insurance Institute
On top of that, many people try to “hold on alone” — until the situation gets worse.
Timing matters
When the process starts early:
- It is easier to document the injury
- A proper medical file can be built
- And there is a better chance of realising the entitlements in full
Which is why it is important not to ignore the signs.
Which signs may point to PTSD?
If you have experienced one or more of the following since the war, it may be worth checking your entitlement with the National Insurance Institute:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constant hypervigilance
- Panic attacks
- Fear of loud noises
- Avoiding certain places
- Extreme irritability
- A decline in functioning
- Depression or withdrawal
📋 Important to understand
Even if only a few of these signs are present, and not “severely” — it is worth checking. The National Insurance Institute recognises partial disabilities too, and even low disability percentages can lead to significant entitlements.
Realising PTSD rights in Ofakim — you do not have to do it alone
The process with the National Insurance Institute can be complex: forms, medical committees, medical records, appeals, and medical and bureaucratic questions.
The right support can help you understand what you are entitled to, how to prepare, and what further rights exist for you.
Yad Otefet — support for residents of Ofakim
Yad Otefet helps residents of Ofakim realise medical rights and National Insurance rights arising from PTSD and from being a hostile-action casualty.
We provide:
- Guidance and personal support
- Help understanding your rights
- Support through the process with the National Insurance Institute
- Help preparing documents and with the committee process
If you live in Ofakim and feel that something has changed since the war — do not stay with it alone. You may be entitled to rights, to recognition and to meaningful support.
An early eligibility check can make a big difference.
Do you live in Ofakim? We are here for you
An initial consultation — we will check your entitlement with no obligation
📋 Leave your details and we will call you back