IDF Launches Telam Command to Support Wounded Soldiers Post-Hospitalization

In a significant step to enhance support for wounded soldiers, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has officially launched its new Telam Command (support, accompaniment, and rights fulfillment). About 70 reserve officers have completed the inaugural training course for Telam and are set to begin their roles in the coming days, as announced by the Military and Defense Ministry.

Telam's primary focus is to accompany and assist soldiers who have been discharged from hospitalization, ensuring they receive the necessary medical, emotional, and logistical support as they transition back to civilian life. This initiative is particularly crucial given the ongoing conflict and the growing number of injured personnel.

Since October 7, 2023, more than 15,000 wounded IDF and security forces personnel have been treated by the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division, underscoring the urgent need for structured, ongoing care and assistance. The Telam officers are set to be a key part of this network, providing dedicated follow-up care and support to the wounded after they leave the hospital.

A Personalized and Comprehensive Support System

The new officers have undergone specialized training to identify and address both medical and psychosocial needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the soldiers' recovery. They will work in close collaboration with the Rehabilitation Division, which has been operating liaison teams in hospitals across Israel to assist injured soldiers and their families since the start of the war.

These Telam officers will serve as central points of contact for the wounded soldiers, helping them navigate their return home and access necessary services. The initiative aims to provide personalized care and ensure that injured personnel receive the appropriate resources and support they need to recover and reintegrate into daily life.

Tzipi Feldman, Deputy Head of the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division, emphasized the importance of this cooperation between the IDF and the Rehabilitation Division. "The Telam officers will complete the personal support framework provided by the Division, easing the wounded's return home," she said. This effort is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that wounded soldiers are able to exercise their rights and focus on recovery, helping them return to independent and full lives.