Tragic conclusion for a Nova Festival survivor
A survivor of the October 7 attacks in which Hamas gunmen struck Nova Festival has died, two years after losing his girlfriend at the same event. Roei Shalev, aged 29, was found dead in a burning car near Poleg Beach in Netanya, Israel, in a development that has stunned friends and family and prompted police to open an investigation.
Remembering Mapal Adam and the night of the attack
The tragedy at Nova Festival unfolded on the evening of October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants opened fire and rocket fire forced concertgoers to flee. Roei Shalev and his girlfriend Mapal Adam, 27, were dancing with a friend when the chaos began. The trio attempted to seek shelter under a car as gunfire closed in, but they were discovered and shot several times. Mapal Adam died at the scene, while Hilly Solomon, 26, survived the day’s horrors with injuries.
A week of unimaginable grief
Roei Shalev later described hours of agonizing distress, recounting that he waited seven hours with two bullets lodged in his back while his girlfriend and friend lay dead nearby. The trauma did not end there; a week after the attack, Roei’s mother took her own life, an event that intensified the family’s grief and trauma.
Public statements and fundraising for survivors
In a tribute posted to a fundraising page for festival survivors and their families, Roei wrote about losing “three of the most important women” in his life in a single week. He spoke candidly about flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep deprivation that followed the attack, highlighting the long-term psychological impact of the violence on those who survived the initial tragedy.
Two years on: a new tragedy adds to the pain
Two years after the attacks, news of Roei Shalev’s death adds to the sense of unresolved grief surrounding the Nova Festival massacre. He was found in a car near Poleg Beach, with investigators looking into the circumstances of his death. The timing, coming on the anniversary of that horrific night, has prompted renewed discussions about the lasting effects of such violence on survivors and their families.
What authorities say and how the public is responding
Israeli police have opened an investigation into Roei Shalev’s death. While details are still emerging, the case has drawn attention to the persistent mental health challenges faced by those who lived through the October 7 attacks. The public response has been a mix of mourning for the recent loss and reflection on the broader consequences of the festival tragedy for victims, survivors, and communities affected by the violence.
Support resources for those affected
For anyone impacted by violent events seeking help, mental health organizations emphasize reaching out for support. In the UK, Samaritans offers confidential 24/7 support at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org. Those affected in other regions should contact local mental health services or emergency responders for immediate assistance.
Looking ahead
The Nova Festival attacks remain a defining moment for many families and communities. The latest loss underscores the ongoing need for trauma-informed care, robust survivor support networks, and responsible reporting as investigations continue. As authorities work to establish the full timeline and causes surrounding Roei Shalev’s passing, the focus for many remains on honoring those lost and supporting those who continue to carry the weight of the tragedy.
