At ICAR, we’re privileged to work with extraordinary individuals who balance their professional lives with profound personal commitments. One such individual is Shimon Eliav, an analyst here at ICAR and a Paratrooper reservist in the IDF. Shimon was called up to duty suddenly and left everything behind upon his summoning.
Now he has returned, I sat down with Shimon to talk about his experiences, the challenges he faces, and how his dual roles shape his perspective on mental health first hand.
The Abrupt Transition to Service
For Shimon, the transition from his civilian role to military service was stark and sudden. On October 7, he was pulled from his daily routine, trading his analytical tools for combat gear. As things settled and the shape of the war shifted, Shimon went back to civillian life and started to work here at ICAR as an analyst.
Then, the complex reality of Israel struck again, and as the northern front got heated, Shimon was called up again. At first for training, and then quite suddenly for active duty.
"It was abrupt and disorienting," Shimon reflects. "One day, I was immersed in my work at ICAR, and the next, I was back in uniform, navigating the chaos of my unit."
The challenges weren’t just logistical—they were deeply personal. Shimon found himself thrust back into a world of heavy physical demands and high-stakes decision-making, an experience he hadn’t faced in over a decade. "The physical transition is one thing," he says. "But the mental shift, processing what’s happening around you while facing constant threats, is a completely different challenge."
"One day, I was immersed in my work at ICAR, and the next, I was back in uniform, navigating the chaos of my unit."
The Psychological Toll of Combat
Combat leaves lasting marks, and Shimon is no stranger to its psychological toll. As part of a medical evacuation unit, he and his team are often the first to respond in harrowing situations. "Evacuating the wounded, seeing injuries and death, and operating under fire—all of that stays with you," Shimon explains. Even when the situation calms, he notes, there’s often no immediate opportunity to process what has happened. "Real emotional unpacking only happens weeks later, when you’re finally back home."
"Real emotional unpacking only happens weeks later, when you’re finally back home."
Yet Shimon finds solace in his team, who provide a shared sense of understanding. "The camaraderie is a lifeline," he says. "We’ve been through so much together, and that shared experience helps ease the burden."
The Impact on Work and Routine
Returning from service doesn’t mean life simply resumes. Shimon describes the difficulty of reintegrating into the structured rhythm of professional life after months away. "It feels like the train has moved on without you," he admits. "You’re trying to jump back on, but catching up is overwhelming."
As an analyst at ICAR, Shimon’s role requires precision and focus. Balancing the demands of his position with his responsibilities as a reservist has been challenging, especially when duty calls during critical moments at work. "Leaving mid-project for 80 days—it’s hard on everyone, not just me," he shares.
"Leaving mid-project for 80 days—it’s hard on everyone, not just me"
Strain on Family Life
The toll on family life is another facet of Shimon’s story. His wife manages her responsibilities as a special education teacher while also shouldering the emotional weight of his absence. "She goes to sleep alone, runs the household alone, and sometimes doesn’t hear from me for weeks because we can’t use phones in operational zones," Shimon explains.
For his mother, the anxiety is compounded by past loss—her brother was killed in the First Lebanon War. "Every time I’m called up, it reopens old wounds for her," Shimon shares. "Balancing my duty to my country with the toll it takes on my family is one of the hardest parts of my service."
A Broader Perspective on Mental Health
Shimon’s experiences have deepened his commitment to mental health awareness, both personally and professionally. Working at ICAR has given him a platform to address the gaps he sees in mental health care, particularly for soldiers and reservists. "The psychological burden of combat is immense," Shimon says. "But many soldiers don’t realize they’re struggling, or they don’t know how to seek help."
At ICAR, Shimon is part of a team striving to close those gaps, using innovative strategies to build resilience and support systems that address trauma on both individual and societal levels. "My work at ICAR helps me see the bigger picture," he says. "It’s not just about individual healing—it’s about creating frameworks that can support an entire nation."
"My work at ICAR helps me see the bigger picture," he says. "It’s not just about individual healing—it’s about creating frameworks that can support an entire nation."
The Drive to Serve
Despite the challenges, Shimon remains steadfast in his dual commitments. "It’s a sense of duty," he explains. "To my team, to my country, and to the values I believe in." He also finds strength in the support of his family, colleagues, and the broader community. "Knowing there are people and organizations that have your back makes all the difference."
Shimon’s journey is a testament to the resilience of those who serve and a reminder of the importance of supporting mental health initiatives for individuals and communities alike. At ICAR, we are honored to have him as part of our team, bringing his insights and experiences to the forefront of our mission to heal and grow.
In Summary
Shimon’s story is a testament to the resilience of those who serve, balancing the weight of their responsibilities with a commitment to healing and growth. We’re honored to support individuals like Shimon, whose personal and professional lives intersect to inspire meaningful change in the world of mental health.
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