Nova festival survivor who took own life on 22nd birthday was ‘haunted by psychological scars’
A woman who survived the Nova festival massacre took her own life on her 22nd birthday as she was “haunted by the psychological scars of her experience”, a charity supporting those caught up in the 7 October attacks has said.
Shirel Golan’s death is “a devastating reminder of the enduring trauma these survivors face and the crushing weight of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)”, SafeHeart said in a statement.
Her family has criticised the Israeli government for failing to do enough to support her in the wake of the event (more in 13.35 post).
SafeHeart, which offers mental health support to Nova survivors, said those caught up in the attack “continue to grapple with the devastating trauma of that day” more than a year on.
While it has lobbied the Israeli government to increase the number of subsidised therapy session for survivors from 36 to 48, the provision “falls short of what is truly needed”, the charity said.
“Shirel’s family is right – the government must step up and do more. We stand with the Golan family in a clarion call to action: we cannot let another family lose a loved one to this tragedy,” its statement read.
Nearly 400 Israelis were killed at the site of the Nova festival during Hamas’s attacks last October.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
