The sibling of an Israeli woman, who endured a Hamas-led attack last year, attributes her suicide on her 22nd birthday to the neglect of governmental agencies in addressing her post-traumatic stress disorder.

On October 7, 2023, Shirel Golan and her partner Adi escaped from the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im amidst the horror of militants attacking and abducting attendees. Her brother, Eyal Golan, noted she was meant to celebrate with family last Sunday. Unfortunately, her boyfriend discovered her lifeless body in her parents’ garden in the central Israeli town of Porat.

“He rushed outside screaming, ‘Why did you do this?! Why? Why? Why?'” Eyal Golan shared with YSL News.

Shirel Golan was laid to rest on Monday at Tel Mond Cemetery, situated around 20 minutes from Tel Aviv. Her brother firmly believes that state welfare agencies are responsible for her tragic end.

“They are 100% accountable for my sister’s death,” stated Golan, 36, who himself has faced PTSD from military service in 2021. “When I say that the state, the country, killed my sister twice, I am specifically targeting these two entities.”

Eyal recalls fond memories of Shirel’s childhood, from helping his parents change her diapers to playing with her. He amusingly remarked that after having his daughter, Shirel seemed to care more for his family than for him. This was long before Hamas militants launched their brutal attack, resulting in nearly 1,200 fatalities and over 200 kidnappings.

Approximately 400 of the victims were at the Nova festival, where countless individuals were taken hostage. Following the assault, Eyal noticed Shirel, once vibrant and lively, had become more reserved. Concerned, the family rarely left her alone, but the support from government agencies was minimal.

“They possess all the information. They are aware of every survivor, every person who attended the festival, who is alive, deceased, kidnapped, or psychologically affected like my sister. They did not take action. They remained passive and offered no proactive support.”

Eyal hopes that Shirel’s passing will motivate government bodies to act more diligently in the future.

“PTSD is a global issue, not just one limited to Israel,” he asserted. “We need to address this problem together.”

Recent Events:

∎ In response to a missile attack from Iran three weeks ago, Israel’s retaliation is expected to be predominantly symbolic, according to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari. Israel has threatened a more substantial response.

∎ Seven residents from East Jerusalem were taken into custody on suspicion of plotting attacks in Israel, including plans to assassinate an Israeli nuclear scientist and a central Israeli mayor. The suspects, aged between 19 and 23, were allegedly recruited by a foreign agent, police reported.

Blinken and Netanyahu Hold Talks in Jerusalem

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to leverage the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to bring an end to the violence in Gaza and work towards the release of hostages held by Hamas, as stated by the State Department. Blinken also highlighted the necessity for Israel to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza during their meeting in Jerusalem.

The Biden administration has expressed hope that Sinwar’s death at the hands of Israeli forces last week might expedite a ceasefire in Gaza and lead to the release of over 100 Israeli hostages. However, Hamas has dismissed all conditions for additional hostage releases unless Israeli military operations in the enclave cease.

During the discussions, Blinken emphasized the vision for a post-conflict Gaza that would enable Palestinians to rebuild their lives under a system providing governance, security, and reconstruction efforts.

U.N. Criticizes Israel for Hospital Strike

The U.N. human rights chief stated his horror at an Israeli strike that resulted in civilian casualties near a Beirut hospital late Monday, calling for a comprehensive investigation. Lebanese officials confirmed that the attack claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, including four children, and left 60 others injured.

“I am horrified by the Israeli action near Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut’s Jnah neighborhood,” Volker Turk expressed in a statement. “The principles of international humanitarian law regarding the protection of civilians must be upheld.”

The Israeli military clarified on Tuesday that their airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions near the hospital but did not directly hit it. The hospital’s director, Jihad Saadeh, reported that damage occurred, stating, “Whether it was targeted or not, we can’t be sure; however, Israel sets no limits.”

Israel Destroys Hezbollah Bunkers with Significant Amounts of Cash and Gold

The Israeli military disclosed that one of its recent strikes against Hezbollah targets included a bunker that harbored tens of millions of dollars in cash and gold. Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari refrained from providing further details regarding the operation.

Money was either confiscated or destroyed during the attack.

At a briefing, Hagari stated, “Our primary target last night was a subterranean vault. The funds were being utilized to support Hezbollah’s assaults on Israel.”

He added that another bunker containing cash and gold is located beneath a hospital in Beirut, but this vault has not yet been attacked.

“Our estimates indicate that there is at least half a billion dollars in cash and gold in this bunker,” Hagari noted. “This money could potentially help to restore the state of Lebanon.”

UN agency urges ceasefire for medical assistance

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency issued a plea on Tuesday for a brief ceasefire to enable individuals to evacuate from northern Gaza as health officials reported they were running low on medical supplies for those injured in an ongoing three-week Israeli operation. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNRWA relief agency, remarked that the humanitarian crisis has reached a critical level, with bodies left on the streets or buried under debris.

“In northern Gaza, people are merely awaiting their fate,” he expressed in a statement on the social media platform X. “They feel abandoned, despondent, and isolated.”

“I am requesting an immediate ceasefire, even if it’s just for a few hours, to facilitate a safe humanitarian corridor for families wanting to leave the area and reach safer locations,” he urged.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential services, available 24/7.