The tragic suicide of Shirel Golan highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of traumatic events, particularly regarding mental health support.
The family's accusations against the Israeli state raise important questions about the adequacy of psychological assistance available to victims of violence and terrorism.
Eyal Golan's call for better state support reflects a broader concern among trauma survivors and their families regarding the government's response to their needs.
The incident may lead to increased public pressure on the Israeli government to enhance mental health services for trauma survivors.
There could be a rise in advocacy efforts aimed at improving mental health resources and recognition for victims of violence in Israel.
This tragedy may prompt a reevaluation of the support systems in place for individuals recovering from traumatic experiences.
Tragic Death of Nova Survivor Shirel Golan Raises Concerns Over State Support
On October 20, 2024, Shirel Golan, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, tragically took her own life on her 22nd birthday. Her family has accused the Israeli authorities of failing to provide adequate support for her psychological recovery following the traumatic events at the Nova music festival, which resulted in the deaths of 364 individuals and injuries to nearly 2,000 others. Golan was rescued from a police vehicle after escaping a car where 11 of her friends had been killed during the attack.
Relatives reported that Golan struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exhibited symptoms of social isolation and avoidance behavior. Despite encouragement from her family to seek treatment, she felt that the state did not provide sufficient help, relying instead on support from the Nova association. Eyal Golan, her brother, expressed his deep sorrow and frustration, stating, "My sister was murdered twice by the State of Israel. She was mentally murdered on October 7, and physically murdered today." He emphasized that if survivors had received even a fraction of the support given to families of hostages, Golan's death might have been prevented.
Eyal shared that Golan had been hospitalized twice due to her mental health struggles but was never officially recognized as a victim of PTSD related to the massacre. He had spent time with her during the recent Sukkot holiday, where she seemed in good spirits, making her sudden death even more shocking. Eyal warned that without significant changes in how the state supports trauma survivors, similar tragedies could occur in the future.
Israeli Authorities Respond to Family's Accusations
In response to the family's claims, the Israeli Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs expressed condolences and stated that Golan had been recognized and treated within the welfare system before and after the attack. The ministry acknowledged the complexities faced by survivors in their recovery process but rejected the family's assertions that Golan did not receive adequate support. They emphasized that due to privacy laws, they could not disclose specific details about her case.
Golan's death has sparked public discourse about the mental health support available to trauma survivors in Israel, particularly in the wake of violent attacks. As the community mourns her loss, many are calling for improved resources and recognition for individuals suffering from PTSD, aiming to prevent further tragedies among survivors of such traumatic events.
