In October 2022, a significant terrorist attack launched by Hamas shook Israel, leaving lasting psychological scars on survivors and victims’ families. One heart-wrenching story emerging from this tragedy is that of Shirel Golan, who tragically succumbed to her mental health struggles on her 22nd birthday, just over a year after surviving the harrowing attack at the Nova Music Festival. Shirel faced the aftermath of the attack with debilitating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which began to manifest immediately after she experienced the massacre. Her older brother, Eyal Golan, recounted how Shirel transformed from a jovial young woman into someone withdrawn and isolated, reflecting the profound impact the traumatic event had on her life.
At her funeral in Tel Mond, Shirel’s family and friends gathered, visibly heartbroken by the sudden loss. Eyal expressed feelings of anger and guilt directed towards the Israeli health authorities, who, he claims, failed to provide adequate support for Shirel and other survivors. While the government had a list of people who were present at the festival, they extended help only to those who actively sought it, leaving many, like Shirel, without necessary resources. This criticism highlights broader concerns about the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care for trauma survivors, particularly in the wake of such unimaginable violence.
In response to the attacks, the Israeli government instituted a public mental health assistance program designed to support trauma survivors, offering free therapy sessions to those in need. While this initiative has referred nearly 1,900 out of about 3,000 survivors for treatment, it still operates on a basis requiring individuals to request help, which limits access for those who are less proactive, like Shirel. Eyal underscored this systemic failure, stating that despite the program’s existence, numerous individuals, especially those who were traumatized but did not seek help actively, received little or no support.
Survivors from the Nova Music Festival and others affected by the violence have described the mental health support as overly bureaucratic and inadequate. The situation reveals a troubling disconnect between the scale of trauma experienced and the resources available for recovery. Even as the Israeli government has made efforts to address mental health needs, survivors have expressed frustration with the bureaucracy and the limitations on therapy sessions, emphasizing that true healing requires more than just a few sessions. Organizations like SafeHeart have been vocal in advocating for increased support, encouraging the government to extend the number of therapy sessions available and broaden the scope of mental health care offered.
The Golan family’s experience highlights a critical gap in mental health support systems, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach to trauma survivors, especially in the wake of mass violence. Eyal has taken it upon himself to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health resources, hoping that by sharing Shirel’s story, others who struggle with PTSD will recognize that they are not alone. His determination reflects a growing recognition in society about the importance of addressing mental health, particularly for communities grappling with the aftermath of violence.
The tragic story of Shirel Golan serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of trauma and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for survivors. It underscores the importance of not only providing resources on a request basis but also creating a culture of proactive support that reaches those in need. As her brother Eyal advocates for change in the mental health landscape, it is imperative that society acknowledges the impact of such tragedies and strives to ensure that no one else has to suffer in silence due to untreated trauma. The echoes of Shirel’s story prompt collective responsibility, making it clear that addressing the aftermath of violence is vital for healing and recovery.