Shirel Golan, a 22-year-old survivor of the deadly Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in Israel, tragically died by suicide on her birthday after a long struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Golan, who was among the thousands who managed to flee the festival massacre on October 7, 2023, had been battling mental health issues since the traumatic event, her family revealed.
Survivor Commits Suicide on Her Birthday
Golan passed away on October 20 at her home in Porat, northwest Israel. Her family had planned to celebrate her 22nd birthday with a visit to significant religious sites, including the Western Wall and the Cave of the Patriarchs. However, her struggle with PTSD had overwhelmed her, leaving her family devastated. Golan ended her life on her 22nd birthday almost a year after that tragic incident.
Her brother, Eyal, spoke out about the lack of support from the Israeli authorities, accusing the state of neglecting her mental health needs after the attack. “The state of Israel killed my sister twice—once mentally, and now physically,” he said, emphasizing the depth of her suffering. Eyal shared that Shirel had been hospitalized twice since the massacre, but her symptoms, including withdrawal and detachment from others, continued to worsen.
Israel Govt Should Address Mental Health Needs of Survivor: Shirel’s Brother
Despite efforts from grassroots organizations like the Tribe of Nova Community, founded by survivors and families of victims, Golan’s condition did not improve. Eyal urged the state to address the mental health needs of survivors, warning that more lives could be at risk if the issue remains unaddressed.
The Nova music festival, held near Kibbutz Re’im in southern Israel, became the site of one of the most brutal attacks on October 7, when Hamas militants launched a deadly assault, killing 364 attendees and committing other atrocities. Shirel and her partner were among the lucky ones who escaped, but the emotional toll of the tragedy proved too much for her to bear.
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