Nova Festival Survivor Struggles with Severe PTSD, Calls for Longer Rehabilitation
Elad Amos Hasson, a 25-year-old from Herzliya who survived the deadly Nova Festival attack on October 7, 2023, continues to battle severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety attacks nearly three years later. His mother, Osnat, recounts a recent episode where Elad experienced a panic attack at the beach, requiring emergency medical intervention. Since the attack, Elad has been unable to return to work and suffers from intense anxiety that disrupts his daily life.
Elad and his mother emphasize the inadequacy of the current rehabilitation support he receives. Although he was approved for a stay at a therapeutic rehabilitation center (Beit Ma'azan), the funding covers only one month, which they argue is insufficient for meaningful recovery. Elad explains that true healing requires at least three months, as the body and mind need time to release stress and trauma. Previously, his family paid tens of thousands of shekels for private treatment, but now they cannot afford it, and state support remains limited.
Osnat has been advocating for survivors of the Nova attack alongside other parents, fighting for better care and longer rehabilitation periods. She describes the ongoing challenges of managing Elad’s unpredictable triggers and severe anxiety episodes, including one where he turned blue and foamed at the mouth during a panic attack. Despite his struggles, Elad tries to maintain some normalcy by surfing and volunteering with children, activities that help him cope.
Elad also shares the emotional toll of his condition, including sleeping outside to avoid burdening his family and fearing for his future ability to be a father. Psychological therapy has so far failed to provide relief, and he expresses frustration with the healthcare system’s inability to offer adequate treatment. Osnat stresses that survivors like Elad deserve comprehensive, long-term care rather than temporary fixes.
The Ministry of Health responded that therapeutic stays at Beit Ma'azan typically last one to one and a half months, supplemented by other services, but specific case details are managed by health funds or insurance providers. The National Insurance Institute declined to comment. Osnat calls for urgent systemic change to ensure survivors receive the sustained support necessary for recovery.
