Shirel had been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the attack and was found dead in her apartment in Porat, near Netanya, Israel, on Sunday, October 20.
Her brother, Eyal Golan, expressed his grief and frustration, blaming the state of Israel for not providing the necessary support, despite Shirel being hospitalized twice for PTSD. He stated, “The State of Israel killed my sister twice. Once mentally in October, and again today on her 22nd birthday.”
Shirel had been at the Nova festival in southern Israel with her partner Adi when Hamas terrorists attacked, killing 364 people.
The couple hid for hours before being rescued by police officer Remo Salman El-Hozayel, who saved around 200 festivalgoers. Despite their survival, Shirel struggled with PTSD, showing symptoms such as dissociation and withdrawal.
Eyal noted that while Shirel received help from the grassroots association Tribe of Nova Community, founded by fellow survivors, she did not get the support she needed from the state.
He added that their family tried to care for her, with their mother even taking early retirement to be by Shirel’s side. Sadly, on the day she was left alone, Shirel took her life.
