Tragedy struck recently as a young woman, Shirel Golan, was found dead on what should have been a day of celebration—her 22nd birthday.
This devastating news follows her ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after surviving the horrific Hamas attack at the Nova festival in Israel on October 7, 2023.
The Fight Against PTSD
Shirel’s brother, Eyal Golan, shared that she had been grappling with the psychological aftermath of the massacre, which claimed the lives of 364 festival attendees.
On that fateful day, Shirel and her partner, Adi, found themselves hiding under a bush for hours as chaos erupted around them.
They narrowly escaped death by refusing to join a group of people who were later taken hostage or killed.
It was a heroic police officer, Remo Salman El-Hozayel, who ultimately rescued them, saving around 200 others in the process.
Unmet Needs and Blame
Despite her traumatic experience, Eyal believes Shirel did not receive adequate support from the state.
He expressed his frustrations, stating, “If the state had taken care of her, none of this would have happened.
The State of Israel killed my sister twice—once in October, mentally, and a second time today, physically.”
His comments highlight a deep sense of loss and anger over what he perceives as a failure to provide necessary care.
Family’s Struggle
In the aftermath of the festival, Shirel exhibited various PTSD symptoms, such as dissociation and withdrawal.
Eyal recounted how he urged her to seek help, but she felt abandoned by the state, receiving support only from the grassroots organization Tribe of Nova Community, established by fellow survivors.
Eyal emphasized the family’s commitment to her well-being, noting that their mother even took early retirement to be by her side.
Sadly, it was only on her birthday that they left her alone, leading to her tragic decision to end her life.
A Call for Change
Eyal has urged that Shirel’s death serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to better address the needs of trauma survivors.
In response, Israel’s Welfare and Social Services Ministry stated that Shirel had been recognized and treated within the welfare system prior to and after the October incident.
They also encouraged survivors to reach out to their 24-hour hotline for emotional support.
The heart-wrenching loss of Shirel Golan underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for those affected by such traumatic events.
If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available through the Samaritans at 116123 or via their local branches.