Nova Festival survivor Roei Shalev takes own life two years after massacre

The 28-year-old survivor lost her partner and mother after the October 7 massacre; this death highlights the enduring trauma faced by many of Nova’s survivors.

Nova music festival survivor Roei Shalev He committed suicide after posting a farewell post on social media on Friday.

Shalev joined Nova Music festival On October 7, 2023, terrorists infiltrated communities along the Gaza border, killing thousands. He was shot in the back and survived. His partner Mapal Adam and close friend Hili Solomon were killed by terrorists.

A week after the massacre, Shalev’s mother Raffaela also committed suicide.

Shalev was found inside a burning car at a highway exit near Netanya. Israeli police stated that an investigation was launched into the incident, but Shalev published a farewell message on his Instagram page. The message, in which he describes the pain and loss he has felt since the October 7 massacre, echoes the sentiments shared by the deceased’s friends that Shalev has not fully recovered from the loss of his partner, Adam.

‘I’m already dead’

Shalev’s message, published on his personal Instagram account, is as follows: “I’m truly sorry. I can’t stand this pain anymore. It hurts inside and I can’t hold it in anymore. I’ve never felt this much pain and suffering in my life; deep, burning, eating me up from the inside.”

“I really can’t go on. Dad, Lior and Ido; I love you more than anything in the world. I’m so sorry. My friends in Israel and all over the world – I love you. Keshet, I love you. Please don’t be angry with me. No one will understand me because you can’t. I just want this pain to end. I’m alive but inside I’m already dead.”

“Please remember the goodness in me. Anyone who knows me knows that kindness is all I want. I’m sorry.”

Sharing the pain of Shalev’s death, the Nova Tribe Community Association said: “Unfortunately, many of the victims of post-traumatic stress disorder on October 7 are still experiencing terrible and complicated moments since that day. We ask everyone to remain constantly alert and maximally sensitive to the mental state of the victims of October 7 in general, and the survivors and bereaved families in particular.”

His post caused immediate alerts, with the Nova Tribe and friends launching a search after he failed to return calls. CCTV revealed him filling up a jerry can of fuel at a petrol station. His vehicle was found burning a short time later and his body was found in the vehicle and he was pronounced dead immediately.

Shalev family announced his death in a statement and asked to “avoid contact”. The statement also stated that details regarding the funeral “will be provided separately.”

Nova Tribe called Shalev a pillar of their community and called his death an “unfathomable loss.” “We want you to remember him in his best moments, his courageous support of the community, his leadership as captain of the Nova Tribe basketball team, and his dedication to helping his friends through their toughest times.”

YouTuber and basketball coach Barak Swarttz posted a reaction after learning of Shalev’s death, highlighting an interview he conducted at a Los Angeles basketball court last year. Shalev shared his traumatic survival story and story of losing loved ones during the Nova massacre, where he faked his death while terrorists moved around him. He said he was shot twice but survived.

In his interview, he detailed how he and Mapal Adam discussed their future before their untimely deaths; weddings, their children’s names and the like. “They’re sending me signs,” he told Swarttz.

“After the worst nightmare of my life, here I am today. I’m on the basketball court with a smile on my face,” he said, detailing that the pain is still there, the flashbacks continue and the tears are flowing.

After Shalev’s death was confirmed, the YouTuber added a pinned comment that read, “Dear YouTube community – Roei took his own life 2 days ago, on October 10th. He could no longer bear the pain. Please send your wishes to his family and loved ones. He is gutted,” with emojis of angel wings, a candle, and a broken heart.

A year after the attack, other survivors also took their own lives, including Nova survivor Shiriel Golan, who reportedly died by suicide on her 22nd birthday. Although specific figures have not been confirmed, in April 2024 Israeli media reported that Nova survivor Guy Ben Shimon testified to the Knesset that “almost 50 suicides among Nova survivors” had occurred. The Israeli Ministry of Health denied the claim that 50 survivors committed suicide, stating that they had no records or evidence to support this figure.

The Ministry of Health said that the figure given was incorrect and that the relevant number of suicides was less than 10 as of April 2024. Due to family privacy, among other factors, the updated figures are not made public.

Israeli NGO ELEM: Youth in Danger, which works with at-risk youth and young adults in Israel, honored Shalev with the “Life Saving Award” for his advocacy and continued post-traumatic stress response. October 7.

“I am committed to helping rebuild our community and offering hope and support to those whose lives have been devastated by similar tragedies. That’s why I humbly ask for your help,” he said when accepting his award at a ceremony last year. “Together we can make a difference. Every act of kindness counts, whether through donations or spreading awareness. In the midst of pain and sadness, I hold on to one truth: We will dance again. We will take back the joy that was stolen from us and build a brighter future for everyone.”