William Shakin, a 25-year-old lone soldier from New York who served for months in Gaza with the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion and later died by suicide after struggling with post-traumatic stress, will be brought to Israel for burial after the IDF said an initial review found that his death may be connected to his military service.
The finding marks a significant development in the case following his family’s appeal for recognition and burial in Israel. The IDF said it will send military representatives to his funeral in Jerusalem on Wednesday, including a commander from his unit who will deliver a eulogy, and will place a wreath from the unit on his grave.
William Shakin
The army also offered to accompany Shakin’s family through the process of applying to the Defense Ministry for recognition that his death resulted from his service.
The final decision rests with the ministry. If a causal link is formally recognized, the family would become eligible for the financial and social benefits provided in such cases.
Shakin moved to Israel after October 7, leaving his university studies to enlist in the IDF. He fought in Gaza, later continued into reserve duty and lost friends in combat before returning to the United States.
Friends said he struggled with post-traumatic stress after his service.
His friend Alana said Shakin had spoken openly about his deteriorating mental state after the death of his friend Staff Sgt. Tuval Lifshitz.
“He said he was dead inside and that he had nothing left in his life,” she said.
More recently, she said, Shakin apologized for worrying her and told her he was struggling with PTSD while trying to stay well.
“He was very warm, a good friend, and whenever I asked for help, he was the first to help,” she said. “He had a lot of positive energy and always thought about others before himself.”
His friend Chaim Meisels said Shakin had appeared relatively normal when they spoke several weeks before his death, but that his mother later sensed something was wrong when she could not reach him. Emergency services were called, his vehicle was found and a letter was discovered inside. Shakin was later found dead.
His parents argued that his psychological injuries stemmed from his military service and that he had not received the support he needed after returning to the United States.
Meisels also argued that former lone soldiers who return to their countries of origin can struggle to access mental health support.
“There are dozens more soldiers suffering from PTSD who are not getting the help they need because they returned to their families,” he said.
The Defense Ministry disputed claims that Shakin would have needed to be physically present in Israel to seek recognition. It said no application had been found in his name and stressed that claims can be filed digitally and that medical committee hearings can be held remotely with prior coordination.
Following the family’s appeal, the IDF conducted a preliminary review under a framework established by a committee headed by retired Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz.
“At the conclusion of the examination, it was found that the circumstances of the death of the late William may be related to his military service,” the IDF said.
It added that the family would be given guidance and assistance in approaching the Defense Ministry.
“The IDF honors the significant service of the late William Shakin and shares in the family’s grief.”