The harrowing attack on the Nova Music Festival by Hamas militants in October 2023 left an indelible mark on many survivors, both physically and emotionally. Among them was Shirel Golan, a 22-year-old woman who managed to escape the massacre but could not outrun the trauma that followed.
On this page
On what was supposed to be a day of celebration—her 22nd birthday—Shirel’s life ended in tragedy as she succumbed to the effects of untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Happened at the Nova Music Festival?
On October 7, 2023, the serene atmosphere of the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Re’im was shattered by a surprise Hamas attack. Militants stormed the festival grounds, massacring and abducting hundreds of attendees.
The death toll reached a staggering 364, with many more suffering unspeakable horrors. The festival, once a place of joy and celebration, quickly became a scene of unimaginable terror.
Shirel Golan: A Survivor’s Nightmare Begins
Shirel Golan was among the thousands of festival-goers who initially escaped the massacre. Alongside her partner Adi, they narrowly avoided death several times, hiding under bushes for hours as gunfire and chaos surrounded them.
Despite their eventual rescue by a brave police officer, the emotional scars remained.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Silent Battle
After surviving the Hamas attack, Shirel began experiencing symptoms of PTSD. She withdrew from friends and family, became disassociated from daily life, and was hospitalized twice due to her declining mental health.
Despite these warning signs, she never received the formal PTSD diagnosis that could have offered her much-needed resources and treatment.
The Lack of Mental Health Support for Survivors
According to Shirel’s brother Eyal, the Israeli government failed to offer adequate mental health support to survivors like his sister. “The state killed her twice,” he said, expressing his grief over the absence of emotional and psychological assistance.
His accusation highlights the gap in mental health care that survivors of traumatic events often face. Eyal believes that had Shirel received proper care, her tragic end could have been avoided.
Why Did Shirel Golan, a Hamas Attack Survivor, Die by Suicide on Her 22nd Birthday?
This is the question that haunts Shirel’s family and the wider community. After surviving one of the deadliest attacks in recent history, why did Shirel take her own life? The answer lies in the untreated trauma she endured.
Despite the visible signs of her distress, the mental health support she desperately needed was never fully provided. Her struggle with PTSD, coupled with feelings of abandonment by the state, ultimately led to her tragic death.
Hamas Attack, Shirel Golan: How Her Story Reflects a Larger Crisis
Shirel’s story is not unique. The Hamas attack left thousands of survivors grappling with emotional scars that often go untreated. Experts estimate that up to 30,000 Israelis could develop PTSD due to the attack, overwhelming an already strained mental health system.
The bureaucratic hurdles and lack of accessible treatment exacerbate this crisis, as seen in Shirel’s case.
A Family’s Grief: Eyal Golan’s Heartbreaking Words
Eyal Golan’s words echo the deep pain felt by his family. He recounts how they tried everything they could to help Shirel, from keeping close watch over her to encouraging her to seek therapy. However, the systemic failures they encountered left them feeling helpless.
On the day of her 22nd birthday, Shirel wandered off unnoticed, and her boyfriend later found her lifeless body in the family garden.
The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Supporting Survivors
While government support was lacking, grassroots organizations like the Tribe of Nova Community stepped in to provide some assistance. These volunteer-led initiatives played a crucial role in offering survivors a semblance of hope, but their resources were limited. Shirel’s family credits them with providing the only real help she received.
Hamas Attack, Shirel Golan: A Devastating Loss
The Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. Although Shirel survived the physical horrors of that day, the emotional toll eventually claimed her life. Her death has brought to light the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care for survivors of traumatic events, a plea that is echoed by her family and mental health professionals.
PTSD: A Lingering Aftermath of the Hamas Attack
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events. The symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts. For survivors of the Hamas attack, these symptoms have become a daily reality, and for many like Shirel, they can be deadly.
FAQs:
1. What happened at the Nova Music Festival?
The Nova Music Festival was targeted by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 364 people. Survivors were left traumatized, with many still dealing with the emotional aftermath.
2. Who was Shirel Golan?
Shirel Golan was a 22-year-old survivor of the Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival. Despite escaping the massacre, she struggled with PTSD and tragically died by suicide on her birthday.
3. What led to Shirel Golan’s death?
Shirel suffered from severe PTSD after the attack, and despite her family’s efforts, she did not receive adequate mental health care. Her death is seen as a result of untreated trauma.
4. How many people were affected by the Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival?
The attack left 364 dead and countless others mentally scarred. Many survivors, like Shirel, are still grappling with PTSD and other emotional disorders.
5. Is PTSD common among survivors of terrorist attacks?
Yes, PTSD is a common and challenging condition for survivors of terrorist attacks. Symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety, and feelings of detachment.
6. What is being done to help survivors of the Hamas attack?
While the Israeli government has set up programs to assist survivors, many feel that the support is inadequate. Grassroots organizations are attempting to fill the gaps, but the need is immense.
Shirel Golan’s story is a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of trauma and the importance of mental health care. Her tragic death underscores the need for governments and health organizations to step up their efforts in supporting survivors of traumatic events. As Shirel’s family continues to mourn, they also hope her story will inspire change—so that no more lives are lost to the silence of untreated trauma.
