His Body Survived, His Heart Did Not

Nearly two years later, the pain became unbearable. Roei Shalev, 30, was found dead inside a burning car near Netanya, north of Tel Aviv. Just hours before, he posted a haunting farewell on social media:

“Please don’t be angry with me. No one will ever understand me, and that’s okay. I just want this suffering to end. I’m alive, but inside everything is dead.”

Friends and family rushed to find him after seeing the post, but it was too late. Israeli police have opened an investigation, but his loved ones say the cause was clear—unhealed wounds from October 7.

Mapal’s sister, Israeli TV host Maayan Adam, shared a photo of the couple with a heartbreaking message:

“Roei was murdered on October 7 and died yesterday. I hope these two kids are hugging and smiling right now, hearts pressed together again.”

The Nova Community Foundation, which supports survivors and bereaved families, called Roei “a pillar of strength,” and urged greater recognition of the invisible scars carried by survivors.

Israeli politician Yair Golan wrote,

“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 over 370 lives and left thousands traumatized. Roei’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that the aftermath of terror doesn’t end when the gunfire stops. Some battles continue quietly—long after the world has moved on.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.