Shirel Golan survived the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre at the Supernova music festival in Israel. She died by suicide at her home on her 22nd birthday. Her brother said “she had symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as withdrawing and distancing herself from her friends.” Following her demise, many took to social media to express their condolences.
Golan’s family said she had been showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since escaping the attack.
In an interview with Hebrew media, her brother, Eyal, said, “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].”
“If the state had taken care of her, none of this would have happened,” he added.
The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs disputed the family’s claims, saying Golan was “recognized and treated in the welfare system even before October 7 and especially after.”
According to reports, Golan had attended the music festival with a group of friends, 11 of whom were killed.
Following her demise, many took to social media to express their condolences.
“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!” renowned human rights attorney Arsen Ostrovsky wrote on social media.
Journalist David Collier wrote, “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.
