Vet’s self-immolation leads to protests

Dozens of Israelis arrived at the Defense Ministry’s rehabilitation division in Petah Tikva on Wednesday morning to stand for the siren, as a tribute to disabled IDF veteran Itzik Saidian.

Saidian set himself on fire on Monday across from the ministry’s rehabilitation department, and is currently in critical condition at

Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.

“The Defense Ministry is praying for the well-being of disabled IDF veteran Itzik Saidian, and is standing by his family at the hospital during these difficult moments,” the ministry said.

“This is a very severe incident, which shocks everybody. Itzik, a disabled IDF veteran treated by the

Defense Ministry, experienced distress that led him to a desperate, terrible act.”

In addition to those standing outside the rehabilitation division on Wednesday morning, another demonstration was organized near the ministry’s office in Tel Aviv by the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization.

The organization demanded changes in the Defense Ministry’s rehabilitation program, claiming it “provides disabled veterans with poor treatment and steals their rights,” said Idan Kleiman, head of the organization. The program “is in a state of complete collapse, both in its function and value ... The results are clear to everyone now. It’s time for a real revolution and a comprehensive reform of the Disability Rehabilitation Division!”