IDF vet who self-immolated heard speaking for the first time since incident

An IDF veteran with PTSD who has been hospitalized since April after self-immolating in an act of protest was publicly heard speaking for the first time, as the hospital releases a recorded blessing for Israel’s doctors.

Itzik Saidyan’s condition has improved significantly in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, he left his hospital room for the first time in a wheelchair and went outdoors.

Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv — where he is hospitalized — publishes a recording of Saidyan making remarks in honor of Israel’s national Doctor’s Day.

“Hello dear doctors. I, Itzik Saidyan, want to wish you a happy and joyful day and to thank Sheba hospital, the Burn Unit and all the doctors, Prof. [Yosef] Hayek and Dr. [Moti] Haratz, and all the nurses,” Saidyan can be heard saying, sounding slightly out of breath.