Golani Veteran Who Fought in Gaza Dies by Suicide in New York

William “Will” Shakin, a US resident who volunteered to serve in the IDF and fought with the Golani Brigade in Gaza, died by suicide in New York after experiencing severe mental health difficulties following his military service.

Shakin moved to Israel following the October 7 massacre and joined the IDF through Mahal, a program that allows volunteers from abroad to serve in the Israeli military.

He became a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion and served in Gaza, where he lost friends with whom he had fought. His mental health later deteriorated, but he was not formally recognized as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Concerns After His Combat Service

During his IDF service, Shakin lived at HaBayit shel Benji, an organization that provides housing and support for lone soldiers. After his service ended, staff members became concerned about his condition and contacted his parents.

Shakin eventually returned to the United States. He received close support through his departure for New York, but IDF and Defense Ministry assistance ended after his arrival overseas.

Haim Meizlish, a volunteer with Navigating, a nonprofit that assists lone soldiers dealing with mental health difficulties in New York, said Shakin had not been officially recognized as suffering from PTSD during his service and did not receive the support he needed.

Questions Over Support for Veterans Abroad

Meizlish said the Defense Ministry required Shakin to return to Israel to appear before committees responsible for determining official recognition. Such a trip would have taken him away from the family support network surrounding him in the United States.

The case has also raised broader concerns about assistance available to wounded IDF veterans and former soldiers suffering from combat-related trauma while living abroad.

Meizlish said approximately 1,200 relevant veteran cases are registered in the United States, while only two Defense Ministry representatives are responsible for handling them.

Family Seeks Burial at Mount Herzl

Following Shakin’s death, his parents are seeking to bring their son to Israel and have him buried in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl.

The request has faced legal and administrative obstacles involving the Defense Ministry, including questions stemming from the fact that Shakin was never formally recognized as a victim of combat trauma.

His family has accused Defense Ministry officials of failing to take responsibility for his case. Minister Ofir Sofer has pledged to try to help the family bring Shakin to Israel for burial.

Shakin volunteered to serve Israel after the October 7 massacre, fought as a Golani combat soldier in Gaza and lost fellow soldiers in battle. His death is now putting renewed attention on the difficult question of how Israel supports veterans struggling with the psychological consequences of war, including those who return to their families overseas.