Two Years After Girlfriend’s Killing at Nova Festival, Survivor Dies by Suicide

As reports emerge that Israel and Hamas have reached the first phase of a long-awaited peace plan, the memory of the October 7, 2023 attacks still casts a deep shadow over many lives. The assault on the Nova music festival in southern Israel remains one of the darkest moments in recent history, claiming the lives of approximately 1,200 people, including more than 250 civilians—among them children and elderly individuals.

Among the survivors was Roei Shalev, whose harrowing story of courage and loss has once again captured the nation’s attention. During the attack, Shalev witnessed the deaths of his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, and his best friend, Hili Solomon. In a desperate act of love, Roei shielded Mapal with his body as bullets tore through the crowd. Despite his efforts, Mapal, only 25 years old, was fatally shot while they hid beneath a truck. In one of her final moments, she sent a text message to her sister that read, “Don’t tell Mom, I’m scared. There’s a massacre. Bullets are hitting me in the head.”

Roei survived by playing dead until Israeli soldiers arrived, but the trauma of that day haunted him deeply. The pain spread beyond him—two weeks later, his mother, devastated by the tragedy and her son’s suffering, took her own life.

Now, nearly two years later, tragedy has struck again. Roei, 30, was found dead inside a burning car near Netanya, just days after the second anniversary of the massacre. Before his death, he posted a heart-wrenching message on social media:
“Please don’t be angry with me, please. No one will ever understand me, and that’s okay because you can’t understand. I just want this suffering to end. I’m alive, but inside everything is dead.”

His disappearance sparked an urgent search by family and friends, ending in heartbreak when authorities confirmed his death. Police have since opened an investigation into the incident.

Maayan Adam, a television presenter and sister of Mapal, shared a touching tribute alongside a photo of the couple: “Roei was murdered on October 7 and died yesterday. I have no words. I hope these two kids are hugging and smiling right now, hearts pressed together again.”

The Nova Community Foundation, which supports survivors of the 2023 attack, described Roei as “a pillar of strength,” urging society to recognize the devastating psychological toll of such events. “The trauma of that day still lives within the survivors,” the foundation noted, emphasizing the need for greater mental health support.

Political figures and mental health advocates have echoed those calls. Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s Democrats party, said, “Roei could not withstand the pain, but others are still here fighting, coping, trying to live. We must give them all the help we can—so they don’t feel alone.”

The Nova festival massacre claimed more than 370 lives and left thousands injured or traumatized. Roei’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder that the invisible wounds of terror often linger long after the violence ends.

As peace talks between Israel and Hamas move forward, Roei’s tragic death underscores the importance of healing not only between nations but within the hearts of those who continue to carry the weight of that day.

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. In Israel, contact ERAN Emotional First Aid at 1201.