The injury changed his hand in an instant; coping with its aftermath continues every day

Afik served in the demolition company of the Paratroopers reconnaissance unit. In April 2018, during operational preparations following disturbances along the Gaza Strip border, he was asked to help repair one of the unit's vehicles. While working under time pressure, his right thumb was severed.

After hours of efforts to save the thumb and surgery, it became clear that the injury had not ended in the operating room. Since then, Afik has lived with nerve damage and persistent physical pain, alongside the psychological aftermath of that incident.

Afik chooses to share his story to raise awareness of combat soldiers' psychological injuries, including those that cannot be seen from the outside.

Photo: Gleb Smirnov