In a heartbreaking twist of fate, Shirel Golan, the sister of Israeli pop star Eyal Golan, took her own life on what should have been her 22nd birthday—exactly one year after she survived the horrific Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival. The incident, which claimed the lives of 364 people, left Shirel traumatized, witnessing unimaginable horrors as she hid for hours while her friends were murdered or kidnapped.
Shirel Golan (@shirel_golan)
On October 7, Shirel’s world shattered as gunshots rang out, and chaos erupted around her. With 11 friends by her side, she found herself in a dried creek, praying for safety as the terror unfolded. It was only the brave actions of local police officer Remo Salman El-Hozayel that led to her rescue, as he risked his life to transport survivors away from the massacre site. However, escaping the physical danger did little to quell the psychological turmoil that followed.
Eyal Golan, speaking candidly about his sister’s struggles, described how the joyful spirit of Shirel dimmed in the wake of the tragedy. “Before October 7, my sister was full of happiness,” he recounted. “After, it was like someone played with the dimmer on her soul, slowly turning it down until the light died.” This sentiment resonates with many survivors of traumatic events who find that the shadows of their past continue to haunt them long after the immediate crisis has passed.
The fallout from the massacre has triggered a mental health crisis among survivors, with Eyal pointing out that many are now grappling with PTSD and depression. He has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government for its lack of transparency regarding the number of suicides linked to the trauma experienced by those who lived through the attack. “They don’t publish the number of suicide cases because they say we don’t want to encourage other people,” Eyal asserted, emphasizing the need for open dialogue about mental health issues.
Shirel’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the enduring scars left by violence, illuminating the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support. As the anniversary of the massacre approaches, Eyal’s commitment to advocating for mental health awareness serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. His message is clear: the conversation must continue, for silence only deepens the wounds left by trauma.
