SAFAD, ISRAEL — The nation is mourning the tragic death of Daniel Edri, an Israeli military reservist who died by suicide following his return from active duty in the Gaza conflict. His body was discovered earlier this week in the quiet expanse of the Biriya Forest near Safad—a place of serene beauty that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil he had been carrying within.
Daniel Edri, 32, served with courage and dedication in one of the most emotionally and physically grueling military campaigns in recent memory. Friends and family say he returned from Gaza “not quite the same”—his once vibrant spirit dimmed by the unspeakable experiences he had endured.
His death has sent shockwaves through his community, sparking grief, soul-searching, and growing conversations around the silent toll of war on the minds and hearts of those who survive it.
“Daniel was a loyal son of Israel,” said a fellow reservist who served beside him. “He fought with bravery, but he also bore witness to deep suffering. He carried that home with him, and it never let go.”
Edri’s passing is a tragic reminder of the invisible wounds many soldiers bring back with them—wounds that too often remain unseen until it’s too late. According to those close to him, Daniel had been struggling in the weeks since his return, withdrawing from friends, skipping family events, and showing signs of emotional distress that went largely unnoticed or misunderstood.
His family released a statement expressing their heartbreak:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Daniel. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and deep strength. But even the strongest among us need help. We wish we could have seen how much pain he was in. We hope others will be able to speak, to reach out, to be heard.”
Mental health advocates and veterans’ organizations across Israel have responded to Daniel’s death with renewed urgency, calling for expanded psychological support for returning soldiers—especially reservists, who often fall between the cracks of institutional care.
“Daniel’s story is not isolated,” said Dr. Yael Tzur, a trauma specialist working with combat veterans. “It’s a painful symptom of a larger crisis. If we are going to ask our young people to carry the burden of war, we must also be prepared to carry them afterward.”
A memorial service will be held later this week in Daniel’s hometown, with full military honors. His family has requested privacy during this time of profound grief.
Daniel Edri is remembered as a devoted son, a loyal friend, and a soldier who answered his country’s call. But beyond the uniform, he was a young man with hopes, fears, and quiet battles—one of which he ultimately could not win.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his story help light the way for others still fighting silent wars within