We Saw Things No One Should See — Now They Expect Us to Move On

Major Maya, a military intelligence officer, has opened up about the invisible wounds carried by intelligence personnel who have witnessed horrors during their service. Unlike physical injuries from bullets or shrapnel, the psychological trauma experienced by intelligence operatives stems from what they have seen, heard, known, and done—or failed to prevent. Speaking candidly about the burden of classified knowledge, Maya highlights how these invisible scars are just as real and debilitating as any visible wound.

Intelligence soldiers operate in a unique and deeply challenging environment. They are privy to information and situations that most people will never encounter, yet are bound by strict confidentiality agreements that prevent them from sharing their experiences with family, friends, or even mental health professionals. This combination of exposure to traumatic content and enforced silence creates a distinct psychological burden that distinguishes intelligence work from other military roles.

Maya’s testimony sheds light on a often-overlooked aspect of Israel’s security apparatus: the mental health crisis among those who work in intelligence. These soldiers are expected to compartmentalise their experiences and return to normal civilian life after their service, despite carrying profound psychological weight. The expectation that they should simply move forward and resume their lives ignores the reality of what they have witnessed and the lasting impact it has on their wellbeing.

Her powerful statement calls attention to the need for greater recognition and support for intelligence personnel dealing with invisible trauma. As society acknowledges the struggles of combat veterans, there is a growing need to similarly recognise and address the mental health challenges faced by those who carry not physical wounds, but the psychological burden of knowledge and experience that cannot be shared.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.