Nova Survivor Recounts Trauma, Addiction, and Finding Purpose in Helping Others
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Doron Mizrahi, a survivor of the Nova festival massacre and the subsequent "death bunker" incident, detailed his journey through PTSD and addiction following the October 7 attacks. After enlisting in reserve duty, he struggled with suppressed trauma, leading to substance abuse. Mizrahi eventually sought help at the "E-Zone" center, where he began his recovery and found purpose in assisting others. He now works as a rehabilitation companion and created "Pakal LeChaim" to provide psychological tools for fellow survivors.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Nova survivor Doron Mizrahi described his rescue efforts and subsequent PTSD after the October 7 attacks.
- Mizrahi battled addiction to alcohol and substances as a coping mechanism for his trauma.
- He sought rehabilitation at the "E-Zone" center and found healing by helping others.
- Mizrahi now works as a rehabilitation companion and created "Pakal LeChaim" for survivors.
- He stated he aims to live his life to the fullest and do good for others.
Doron Mizrahi, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre on October 7, recounted his harrowing experience and subsequent struggles in an interview marking three years since the attack. Mizrahi described how he found himself in one of the "death bunkers" in Alumim, initially experiencing shock and then intense fear upon realizing he was in a terrorist attack. Despite an instinct to flee, he decided to return to the bunker to rescue those he could.
Following the traumatic events, Mizrahi immediately enlisted in reserve duty. He described operating on autopilot, suppressing his emotions to remain strong during his service, but this emotional detachment soon gave way to post-traumatic stress disorder. The PTSD led to a mental decline and coping mechanisms that included addiction to alcohol and other substances.
Mizrahi reached a breaking point where his addiction threatened to destroy the life he had survived on October 7. Recognizing he could not bear the emotional burden alone, he sought help at the "E-Zone" center, beginning a complex rehabilitation process. During his recovery, he discovered that helping others facing similar difficulties was key to his own healing.
Today, Mizrahi serves as a rehabilitation companion at the center that aided him, finding healing in assisting others. He also initiated "Pakal LeChaim" (Kit for Life), a booklet and notebook providing psychological tools for soldiers, reservists, and survivors dealing with mental challenges. Mizrahi stated he feels fortunate to have survived and aims to live his life to the fullest while doing good for others.
