Shirel Golan, a 22-year-old survivor of the October 7 Hamas massacre at Israel’s Supernova music festival, has tragically died by suicide on her birthday. Her brother, Eyal, revealed that she struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms since the attack.
Eyal shared, “I saw that she had symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as withdrawing and distancing herself from her friends. I asked her to take care of herself. She said that she doesn’t get any help from the state. She said that she only gets aid from the [Tribe of Nova Community Association].”
He heartbreakingy added, “If the state had taken care of her, none of this would have happened.”
The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs disputed the family’s claims, stating that Golan was “recognized and treated in the welfare system even before October 7 and especially after.”
Golan attended the festival with friends, 11 of whom were killed. Her death sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media.
Renowned human rights attorney Arsen Ostrovsky wrote, “Just heartbreaking beyond words. Shirel Golan survived the Nova Party massacre on Oct 7th. Today, she ended her life today in her apartment, on her 22nd birthday. Word fail. Only tears and heartache. May her beautiful memory and life always be a blessing!”
Journalist David Collier added, “Absolutely tragic Shiral Golan was a Nova survivor. Today, on her 22nd birthday- she took her own life. Thoughts are with her family – and all the other survivors – still trying to pick up the pieces after October 7.”
Golan’s tragic death highlights the urgent need for support and care for trauma survivors.
