From Combat Soldier to PTSD Survivor: Liza Lazar's Journey of Recovery
Liza Lazar, a former IDF combat soldier, shares her arduous journey of battling severe PTSD following her military service, and finding a renewed sense of purpose through the "Now I" rehabilitation program for female veterans.
The life of 36-year-old Liza Lazar changed completely on a Friday morning while returning from weekend shopping with her former partner. A sudden flashback struck her during the drive, unlocking repressed memories from her military service. Before this moment, Liza lived a fulfilling life as a businesswoman and military reservist, but the onset of severe post-traumatic stress disorder upended her existence and forced her to relearn how to walk.
The Road to Combat Service
Born in Russia, Liza immigrated to Israel at the age of 15, studied at Yemin Orde, and was subsequently drafted into the IDF. Despite medical profiles initially barring her from combat roles due to childhood surgeries, she relentlessly fought to change her status. Supported by an understanding military doctor, she successfully passed the combat screening process and served in the Caracal Battalion as a heavy machine gunner, sniper, and squad leader.
Her dedication caught the attention of military leadership, leading to a surprise meeting with then-Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, who encouraged her to attend officer training. She completed the officer course and was discharged in 2014, continuing her reserve duty across numerous operations until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surviving PTSD and Abroad
Post-traumatic stress symptoms manifested in 2020, triggered by an incident during her service when the Hummer she was riding in struck an explosive device along the Philadelphi Corridor. The flashbacks plunged her back into the trauma, isolating her from society and eroding her confidence. Seeking escape, she liquidated her businesses, divorced, and moved to Canada.
Living abroad proved even more isolating. Coping with heavy cannabis use and dissociative episodes, Liza struggled in total solitude until friends intervened and organized her return to Israel. Medical evaluations at Tel Hashomer Hospital formally diagnosed her with severe PTSD.
Finding Sisterhood and Recovery
Upon returning, Liza entered structured rehabilitation, including spending time at a balancing house and joining "Now I", a specialized rehabilitation program for female IDF and security forces veterans operating under the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization with support from Bank Hapoalim. The initiative provided a vital safe space, contrasting with traditional male-dominated veterans' centers.
"This is one of the best things I could have received. My safe space, my second family," Liza shares regarding the support network.
Today, Liza helps coordinate the Tel Aviv branch of the program, mentoring newly arrived veterans. Through peer support, group workshops, and therapeutic journeys such as a recent expedition to Sri Lanka, participants have reported significant reductions in loneliness and PTSD symptoms, proving that healing is possible alongside trauma.
