24-year-old reservist from Netanya is latest serviceman to die by suicide

Roi Wasserstein, a 24-year-old reservist from Netanya who served in the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade, died by suicide yesterday — amid growing scrutiny over the treatment of reservists exposed to battlefield trauma and whether they are adequately supported after their service ends.

Wasserstein had completed over 300 days of reserve duty since the start of the war, serving in the brigade’s medical evacuation unit, where he was repeatedly exposed to traumatic events, including evacuating wounded and fallen soldiers under fire.

מפרסם באישור המשפחה:

רועי וסרשטיין, לוחם מילואים בחטיבת השריון 401 – שם אתמול קץ לחייו לאחר שנחשף לזוועות במסגרת שירותו – אך צה״ל לא יכיר בו כחלל צה״ל

רועי, בן 24 מנתניה, ששירת במילואים בחוליית הפינוי הרפואית של חטיבה 401 – שירת במהלך המלחמה יותר מ-300 ימי מילואים.
במסגרת… pic.twitter.com/22ZgrMshhP

— דורון קדוש | Doron Kadosh (@Doron_Kadosh) July 31, 2025

He reportedly completed his last round of reserve duty in late May. Because he was not under active reserve call-up at the time of his death, Hebrew outlets reported that the IDF has informed the family — through indirect channels — that he does not meet the criteria to be recognized as a military casualty and will therefore be buried in a civilian ceremony.

According to Ynet News, family members accused the Defense Ministry and the IDF of “disowning” Wasserstein after his death, asking, “Where is the shame?”

In response, Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has instructed the IDF and his office to provide full support to Wasserstein’s family — including assistance with funeral arrangements and military honors.

In a Facebook post, Wasserstein’s mother, Dina — a well-known community figure in Netanya — describes him as “a child full of light, humble, kindhearted, a quiet hero.”

She tells Ynet that “after October 7, he took part in retrieving bodies under fire. He saw horrific sights. He got out of a tank in the middle of an inferno to prevent soldiers from being abducted and evacuated soldiers with amputated limbs. It affected him deeply. Ever since he came home, it never left him.”

The Defense Ministry says officials from the IDF’s Manpower Directorate are in close contact with the family and are accompanying them through the process. Katz expresses his “deepest condolences” and says he embraces the family in their time of grief.