Brother of Nova Victims Advocates for Bereaved Siblings

Yossi Rivlin, whose brothers Aviad and Gideon-Harel (Gigi) were murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7th, is speaking out about the lack of recognition and support for siblings of victims. Rivlin recounted the harrowing experience of his four brothers who attended the festival near Kibbutz Re'im. Yochai and Yinon survived, while Aviad and Gigi were killed. Yochai hid in a car for six and a half hours after being separated from his brothers during the attack, listening to the sounds of the massacre and his severely wounded brother Gigi's final moments. Yinon survived by digging a hiding spot under a tree after witnessing Aviad being shot and killed.

Rivlin expressed frustration that while the state provides extensive support to parents and partners of victims, siblings are largely overlooked. "What about us, the siblings? We get nothing. We are not recognized, we receive no concessions, apart from free psychological treatment for a limited period. We are the "invisible" in the world of mourning, even though we also hurt and suffer. In the end, we lost our brothers, flesh and blood," he stated.

To cope with his grief and honor his brothers, Rivlin founded the "To Conquer Brothers" (Lanetzach Achim) association. The organization focuses on healing and creating something significant in memory of his brothers, which also benefits others. The association organizes events for IDF widows and orphans, provides support to families, and aims to ensure they are not forgotten, especially as the three-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks approaches. Rivlin channels his own pain and stress into these activities, finding solace and purpose in helping other bereaved families.