TEL AVIV — A recent study has found that 33.8% of Israeli university students are now contemplating suicide, with researchers pointing to the impact of the war as the primary driver of a sharp decline in mental health.
The study, conducted on more than 700 students, was reported by the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. The deterioration in students’ mental health has been observed since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023.
Researchers said the main factor behind the situation is the prolonged reserve duty in the Israeli military. A large share of students has been sent to the battlefield, away from family and friends, for extended periods. Witnessing scenes of war, fearing for their own safety and feeling that the government has ‘forgotten’ them has created severe psychological distress, leaving many depressed and isolated, the researchers said. Many students believe their normal lives have been completely upended.
The findings are due to be presented at an annual scientific conference on suicide in Israel. Statistics showed that 39.4% of students are suffering from severe depression — far higher than the global average. In other countries, 20% to 25% of students typically report depression and 18% to 24% report suicidal thoughts. Among Israeli students, those figures are significantly higher, the study found.
Researchers said prolonged war, economic uncertainty and a sense of insecurity have robbed students of sleep. They also pointed to what they described as unconditional US support and encouragement, saying it is prolonging the war and, indirectly, pushing this young generation toward a darker future. Comparing conditions before and after Oct. 7, they said anxiety and distress among students have multiplied several times over since the war began. Israel’s educated society is now facing a deep crisis, the researchers said, as casualties of military and political ambitions.
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