Roei Shalev self-immolation suicide
A 28-year-old man named Roei Shalev, who survived the October 7 Nova music festival massacre, died by suicide after setting himself on fire. In a final social media post, he confessed: “I can’t bear this pain any longer,” expressing how deeply trauma and grief had consumed him.
Shalev had witnessed the brutal killing of his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, during the attack. He was shot himself while trying to shield her and later described how they hid and played dead amid the massacre. As the second anniversary of that day approached, he shared anguished messages online about the burden of memory and loss. Hours later, he was found dead inside a car ablaze near Netanya. Authorities confirmed the act was self-immolation.
His death has struck a chord across Israel and among survivors’ communities. Many are calling attention to the lasting effects of trauma, the need for stronger mental health support, and the weight borne by those who survive mass violence. Supporters have urged renewed focus on care systems and outreach to people wrestling with post-traumatic stress.
