Roei Shalev, a 30-year-old Israeli man, survived the horrific Nova music festival massacre on October 7, 2023. Tragically, he has since been reported killed and his charred body discovered in his burned home on the periphery of Tel Aviv. His passing, on the second anniversary of that attack, sent ripples of heartbreak through the biking community. This horrible and devastating act of gun violence has raised immediate discussion about mental health care needs for survivors of these deeply traumatic experiences.
As he describes it the day of the attack, Shalev went through a nightmare. He helplessly looked on as his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, and best friend, Hili Solomon, were murdered. The trio soon found themselves taking shelter under a vehicle, shielding themselves from oncoming gunfire. Tragically, during the chaos, Shalev was shot multiple times. According to estimates from humanitarian organizations, more than 370 people died during the Hamas attack on the festival and nearby towns.
In the hours leading up to his death, Shalev shared a poignant message on social media, expressing his despair with a statement: “Please don’t be angry with me, please.” He had previously articulated feelings of isolation and hopelessness, saying, “No one will ever understand me, and that’s OK because you can’t understand. I just want this suffering to end. I’m alive, but inside everything is dead.”
Shalev’s death follows his mother’s terrible suicide two weeks after the attacks of October 7. This cycle of mourning points to the intergenerational emotional burden that this type of violence places on families and communities.
Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, reacted to Shalev’s untimely passing, emphasizing the need for greater mental health support: “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.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Maayan Adam, a friend of Shalev’s, posted a touching image of Mapal Adam and Roei Shalev together, expressing hope that they have reunited in a peaceful place: “Roei was murdered on 7 October and died yesterday. I have no words and it will take time to find them. Hope these two kids are hugging and smiling right now, hearts pressed together again.”
The Nova Tribe Community Foundation remembered Shalev for his dedication to his community, stating, “We ask to remember him for his beautiful moments, his courageous support of the community, his work as captain of the Nova Tribe basketball team and his constant devotion to helping his friends.”
Local community is grieving the loss of Roei Shalev. Many opposition politicians from secular parties have pushed for more mental health resources to help survivors of the attacks who are experiencing trauma. The tragic circumstances surrounding Shalev’s death serve as a stark reminder of the importance of providing adequate support for those affected by violence.