Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached an agreement on the “first phase” of a peace initiative — a significant development in the enduring conflict.
However, the consequences of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing warfare in Gaza continue to inflict profound wounds, impacting not only Israelis but also Palestinians.
Shielded her with his own body
During the horrific terrorist assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives, including over 250 civilians — among them children and the elderly. One of the many whose lives were irrevocably changed that day was Roei Shalev.
As terrorists invaded the Nova music festival in Israel, Roei witnessed unspeakable terror: his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, and his best friend, Hili Solomon, were killed right in front of him.
In a frantic effort to protect Mapal, Roei covered her with his own body as bullets rained down on the crowd.
A short time later, Mapal, 25, was shot while they were hiding together under a truck. Just before she was hit, she sent a panicked message to her sister:
“Don’t tell Mom, I’m scared. There’s a massacre. Bullets are hitting me in the head.”
Roei managed to survive by pretending to be dead for several hours, only being rescued when the army arrived, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Roy is gone.
— Gal G., Adv (@ICK_GalG) October 11, 2025
He faced and survived the ultimate evil on October 7 (and since), he held his true love Mapal in his arms as evil executed her and his best friend. His mother couldn’t take this heartbreak and took her own life 2 weeks after.
Today, we learned that Roy took his… https://t.co/Hqe9hhrVQk pic.twitter.com/MaK8gu1MZd
Although he managed to survive, the trauma lingered on with him.
The pain that Roei bore was nearly beyond comprehension. Tragically, the burden of that day did not end with Roei. His mother, heartbroken by Mapal’s passing, took her own life just two weeks following the attack.
Yet, the misfortunes did not cease there. More sorrowful events were destined to unfold in this family’s journey. Just last week, mere days after the second anniversary of the massacre, Roei Shalev, aged 30, was discovered deceased inside a burning vehicle north of Tel Aviv.
Hours prior to his passing, he shared a deeply moving message on social media:
“Please don’t be upset with me, I beg you. No one will ever truly understand me, and that’s alright because understanding is beyond reach. I simply wish for this pain to cease. I’m alive, yet inside, everything feels lifeless.”
Mapal’s sister shared a photo
Friends and family rushed to locate him after the post, fearing the worst outcome. Emergency services later found his body near Netanya, and Israeli authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Mapal’s sister, television host Maayan Adam, shared a picture of the couple on Saturday with a poignant caption:
“Roei was taken from us on October 7 and passed away yesterday. I am at a loss for words, and it will take time to gather my thoughts. I hope these two children are embracing and smiling together now, their hearts united once more.”
The Nova Community Foundation, which aids survivors and grieving families, referred to Shalev as “a pillar of strength” and encouraged people to acknowledge the mental impact such trauma inflicts.
Roei was unable to bear the pain, yet others remain here, battling, coping, and striving to live. We must provide them with all the support we can — so they don’t feel isolated.
The Nova festival tragedy took more than 370 lives that day, leaving thousands more injured and traumatized. Now, with Roei Shalev no longer with us, the human toll continues to resonate throughout the community.
If you or someone you care about is facing thoughts of suicide or trauma, please reach out right away. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
