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Yonatan Sahar was beside him when he set himself ablaze. "I saw him holding something burning," he said. Suddenly he poured gasoline on himself and created a human torch. "I didn't know what to do," he added.
Silman was first taken to Ichilov Hospital. He's currently in Sheba Medical Center's intensive care unit. Officials say he's in serious condition. He has grade two and three burns over 94% of his body. He's expected to be hospitalized for months. If he survives, recovery will be long and painful.
The Mayo Clinic calls first degree burns least serious. They only affect the skin's outer layer.
Second degree ones occur when first layers burn through. Blisters develop. Skin gets intensively red and splotchy. Severe pain and swelling result.
Third degree burns are most serious. They involve "all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected." Skin grafting or synthetic skin may be required. Recovery is painful and protracted.
Despair causes desperate reactions. Silman's not unique. Most Israelis experience injustice. Perhaps his action will inspire greater efforts from others. It's high time for greater public rage and not just in Israel.
Government officials there and in virtually all Western societies don't give a damn. Serving the rich and corporate interests alone matter. Social injustice is a small price to pay, they believe.
Austerity is policy. So what if millions go hungry, can't pay rent, afford medical care, or cover the cost of higher education.
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