In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Shirel Golan, an Israeli woman who survived the Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival in October 2023, tragically took her own life on her 22nd birthday. Her death has been attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that she reportedly suffered from after the traumatic attack.
Her family has not only expressed their grief but also pointed fingers at the Israeli government, blaming them for neglecting the survivors of the deadly assault. They believe the lack of state support led to Golan’s death.
Survivor of Supernova Music Festival Attack
Shirel Golan was one of the fortunate survivors of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival. The brutal assault on the festival, part of a larger Hamas offensive in southern Israel, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Shirel, the youngest of five siblings, endured this terror but, tragically, succumbed to PTSD, according to her family, after months of struggling with the aftermath.
Family Blames Israeli Government for Neglect
Shirel’s brother, Eyal Golan, openly criticized the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for neglecting the survivors of the attack. He noted that Shirel had shown clear signs of PTSD, including isolating herself from her friends and withdrawing from everyday life. While she had sought help for her mental health struggles, her brother claims that the state did not provide any meaningful support.
“No Assistance from the State”
Eyal further revealed that the only support Shirel received came from a community group called Tribe of Nova, an association dedicated to helping survivors of the Supernova festival attack. The family firmly believes that if the government had intervened with appropriate psychological and medical aid, Shirel’s death could have been prevented. Eyal expressed his sorrow and frustration, stating, “She didn’t receive help when she needed it the most.”
The October 7 Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack on the Supernova music festival was part of a broader Hamas assault on southern Israel, a day that remains etched in the memories of all who experienced it. The brutal attack left 1,200 civilians dead and sent shockwaves throughout the country.
In retaliation, Israel launched a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 44,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The conflict has since escalated, with Israeli forces continuing to carry out operations in Gaza, leading to the deaths of top Hamas commanders.
Hamas Commanders Eliminated by Israel
As part of its military campaign, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully eliminated several high-ranking Hamas commanders. The latest operation, which took place on Thursday, resulted in the death of Yahya Sinwar, a top Hamas chief. The IDF released drone footage of Sinwar’s final moments, showing him sitting in a dilapidated house before his death during a Gaza raid.
The IDF’s operations have been a critical part of their strategy to dismantle Hamas leadership while securing the release of hostages taken by the militant group.
Hamas Hostages and Ongoing Negotiations
The issue of hostages continues to be a focal point in the ongoing conflict. Israel is actively negotiating for the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Currently, 63 hostages are believed to be alive, while 34 have been confirmed dead but remain in Gaza. These hostages have become a critical bargaining chip for Hamas, as they seek to negotiate a truce with Israel and secure the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The Mental Health Crisis for Survivors
Shirel Golan’s tragic death underscores the severe mental health crisis faced by survivors of the October 7 Hamas attack. Survivors, many of whom experience PTSD, feel abandoned and overlooked in the aftermath of the trauma they endured. The government’s apparent lack of response to the mental health needs of these survivors has drawn criticism from both families and mental health professionals, who argue that more needs to be done to prevent further tragedies like Shirel’s.
The burden of PTSD is especially heavy for survivors of mass violence, who not only have to cope with the trauma but also face long-term mental health challenges without adequate support systems in place.
A National Failure?
The question now looms:
Has the Israeli government failed its own people in the aftermath of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent history?
The Golan family’s story shines a spotlight on the mental health crisis and the government’s apparent lack of preparedness to handle the complex psychological aftermath of such traumatic events. As Israel continues to battle Hamas on the military front, the question of how it treats its own citizens, especially those directly affected by the violence, remains a pressing concern.