The toll of suicides among individuals connected to the Nova music festival massacre continues to climb
Roei Shalev, an Israeli survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, has died by suicide, discovered in a burning vehicle on a Netanya highway exit on Friday, three days after the second anniversary of the assault, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Shalev had been present at the Nova Music Festival, an overnight gathering close to the Gaza border on October 7, 2023, which became a target for Hamas militants. He sustained a gunshot wound to his back but survived by feigning death for several hours.
Among the fatalities were his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, and his close friend, Hili Solomon. His mother also died by suicide just two weeks following the devastating event.
Prior to the discovery of his body, Shalev shared a final message on his Instagram account, stating: “I just want this suffering to end. I’m alive, but inside everything is dead.” He concluded by requesting forgiveness.
Authorities in Israel are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Separately, on Thursday, Yelena Giler, 56, mother of Slava Giler—a victim of Hamas militants at the same festival—also died by suicide, according to Israeli news sources. Other individuals who survived have also struggled with severe depression, such as Nova attendee Shirel Golan, who reportedly took her own life on her 22nd birthday, one year post-attack.
The Hamas assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, with over 370 occurring at the Nova music festival, and 251 people were abducted.
In response, Israel initiated a military campaign that, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives and caused a profound humanitarian catastrophe in the territory, leading the UN to level accusations of genocide against West Jerusalem.