Survivor of October 7 Massacre Ends Life in Heartbreaking Tragedy
A survivor of the October 7, 2023, Nova music festival massacre, Roei Shalev, has tragically taken his own life just days after the second anniversary of the attack. The 28-year-old was discovered deceased in a burning car near Netanya, Israel, on the evening of October 6, 2025. According to reports from The Jerusalem Post, CCTV footage showed Shalev at a gas station purchasing fuel shortly before his death.
In a poignant farewell shared on Instagram, Shalev expressed his profound pain and loss, stemming from the horrific events of that day. “I’m truly sorry. I can’t bear this pain any longer,” he wrote. Shalev described a deep suffering that, in his words, felt as though he was already dead inside.
On October 7, 2023, Shalev attended the festival with his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, 25. During the Hamas attack, they hid under a truck, attempting to play dead while chaos unfolded around them. Tragically, Adam was fatally shot at close range by a terrorist, while Shalev sustained two gunshot wounds while trying to protect her. In a 2024 interview, he recounted the harrowing moment they shared their last “I love you” before the attack escalated.
Community Mourns Loss
The aftermath of the October 7 massacre has left deep scars on those who survived. Shalev’s death follows that of his mother, who also took her life shortly after the tragic event by setting her car on fire, as reported by Israeli public broadcaster KAN.
The Nova Tribe Community, which represents survivors and families of the victims of the massacre, released a statement expressing their grief over Shalev’s passing. “Roei was the backbone of the community, and his death is inconceivable news for us,” the organization stated on Facebook. They extended their condolences, emphasizing the heartbreak felt within the community following the loss of such a valued member.
Shalev’s heartbreaking story illustrates the profound impact of trauma and loss, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by survivors of violence. The Nova Tribe Community continues to advocate for support and healing for those affected, aiming to provide resources and solidarity in the wake of such devastating events.
As the community grapples with these recent tragedies, the urgent need for mental health support and awareness becomes increasingly clear, emphasizing the importance of addressing the psychological aftermath of violence for survivors and their families.
