Israeli Soldiers Surviving October 7 Nova Party Attack Struggle for Recognition and Rights

Nearly three years after the October 7, 2023 massacre at the Nova party in southern Israel, hundreds of soldiers who survived and chose to continue serving face ongoing challenges in obtaining recognition, treatment, and benefits. The military system currently blocks claims while soldiers remain in service, forcing many to delay filing for compensation until after discharge. This bureaucratic hurdle has left 51 out of 185 soldiers who were present at the event without rehabilitation support from the Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department.

Survivors report feeling abandoned, especially as civilians who were at the same event received an automatic 17,000 shekel grant for immediate treatment, a benefit denied to soldiers. Despite a government decision in September 2024 to equalize support for soldiers and civilians affected by the attack, disparities persist. Many soldiers declined early discharge to pursue claims, choosing instead to remain in service, which worsened their mental health due to postponed treatment.

Personal accounts reveal severe psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Soldiers like Noam Arush and others describe reliving horrific scenes and struggling with addiction to adrenaline. They report receiving little to no mental health care from the military or civilian systems. Others, such as Ronit and Neriya Goelman, recount bureaucratic delays, reduced disability benefits, and the difficulty of balancing military duties with recovery.

Advocates emphasize the need for proactive outreach by the Ministry of Defense to ensure all affected soldiers receive appropriate benefits and treatment. They highlight the moral and practical imperative to support these young veterans who risked their lives and continue to serve. The IDF spokesperson stated that immediate psychological care is available without bureaucratic barriers, and the Rehabilitation Department confirmed ongoing treatment for 134 soldiers, with efforts to assist all affected individuals.

The survivors’ struggle underscores the complex intersection of military service, trauma, and bureaucratic processes in Israel’s response to the unprecedented attack on October 7, leaving many soldiers still fighting for their rights and recovery three years later.