The scene of the massacre at the Nova music festival. The author asks: “How can we be comforted this year? Photo: Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90
The tragedy of the suicide of 22-year-old Shirel Golan, a survivor of the Hamas attack at the Nova Festival, has drawn attention to the widespread mental health crisis among survivors of the horrific event on 7 October. Although viral reports of dozens of suicides in the survivor community remain unconfirmed, families and experts agree that the emotional burden on these people is becoming increasingly heavy. The Jerusalem Post writes about this.
Is the government hushing up the problem?
Some witnesses, such as Daniel Sharabi, who saved dozens of people during the attack, believe that the government is underreporting the number of suicides. However, the Israeli Ministry of Health has confirmed only one case, Shirel’s death. These contradictory statements demonstrate gaps in the provision of assistance and support, which has caused outrage among the families of the victims.
“The government must act more decisively,” says Eyal Golan, Shirel’s brother. His words are echoed by organisations such as SafeHeart, which has helped more than 3,000 survivors, but warn that even expanded therapy programmes remain insufficient.
The struggle for recovery
The victims face incredible hardships. They have experienced brutal scenes of violence, waited for hours to be rescued and now face daily triggers due to the ongoing war. According to the ministry, more than 100 people are currently hospitalised in psychiatric institutions, and at least 30 of them are considered to be at high risk of suicide.
“Many of us are technically alive, but we died emotionally on 7 October,” says one of the survivors, G.N. He and other victims believe that the assistance provided is not enough to overcome the trauma.
Alternative assistance and initiatives
Against the backdrop of limited government support, volunteer and community initiatives are emerging. Daniel Sharabi ‘s organisation, Future for Survivors and Wounded, has already helped more than 700 people through therapeutic counselling, financial assistance and social programmes. Similarly, the Tribe of Nova Foundation offers alternative therapies, including sports and spiritual retreats, to help people return to normal life.
Is there a way out?
Experts warn that trauma of this magnitude has no easy solutions. However, according to Mark Weiser of the Shiba Medical Centre, most people who have experienced extreme stress are able to adapt with long-term support.
At the same time, the war and an overburdened healthcare system leave survivors in limbo. “We cannot even fully assess the extent of the trauma because it is still ongoing,” says Efrat Atun, director of SafeHeart.
For the Golan family, this fight has become a personal mission. “If I manage to save at least one person, it will be enough,” says Eyal Golan.
