Sessions ranged from Israelis’ presentations on their research and technologies to panels of experts on the recovery process.
The Rehabilitation Department, which sits within the Defense Ministry, is responsible for reintegrating injured IDF veterans and security personnel into civilian life by providing them with social services and financial support.
Defense Ministry Deputy Director General and Rehabilitation Department Head Limor Luria described October 7 as a pivotal moment that reshaped the department’s approach, stating that “no scenario or response we had planned was relevant to the reality we encountered.”
This revelation led to the establishment of five new guiding principles.
First, Luria stressed a proactive stance: “We don’t wait for the injured to come to us.” By October 9, 2023 Rehabilitation Department teams were already deployed to 22 hospitals nationwide, ensuring that wounded soldiers began rehabilitation treatment within 48 hours of admission.
The department also shifted its focus from bureaucracy to recovery, adopting a “rehabilitation before bureaucracy” policy in coordination with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the IDF Manpower Directorate.
This approach allows injured personnel to bypass bureaucratic hurdles, such as medical committees, deferring evaluations for a year to ensure immediate medical and psychological care.
Third, the department operates on the principle that every wounded soldier requires individualized support. As a result, each patient under its care is assigned a dedicated representative to provide personalized guidance.
In addition, Luria highlighted the importance of proactive psychological rehabilitation. To help prevent cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, the department extends mental health support not only to the physically and psychologically injured but also to their families.
Finally, Luria underscored the necessity of cross-organizational collaboration.
She stressed that rehabilitation is a shared national mission, requiring coordination between government bodies such as the Health Ministry and the IDF “Nobody can accomplish the rehabilitation goal alone,”
sacrifices, horrifically wounded soldiers and soldiers returning in coffins
