Fake News: Reports Falsely Suggest 50 Nova Survivors Commit Suicide

Fake News Alert! 

Following a number of statements in front of the Knesset health committee from survivors of the Nova festival massacre, reports came out suggesting some 50 survivors had taken their own lives in the aftermath of Hamas’ heinous attack. Israel’s Health Ministry says the numbers are not true and that the ministry actually does not have enough data to verify such claims. During the Knesset debate, Nova survivor’s pleaded for more mental health support to help manage their trauma. 

The statements come following a Knesset debate in which survivors of the Nova festival called for an increase in the mental health treatments they should be receiving. They say the current mental health treatments are simply inadequate. The Health Ministry admitted to lacking data on suicides and hospitalizations among Nova survivors, sparking concern about the extent of mental health support truly needed. One young woman questioned why survivors are only being offered 24 treatment sessions. Another said they have friends who have chosen to give up on treatment altogether.

The “For Life” association focuses on suicide and support for family members of people who have taken their own lives. The organization monitors the data on this type of tragedy and reports there have been a number of suicides among survivors, but “certainly not dozens.”

As the debate unfolded, it became evident that survivors continue to grapple with trauma, urging the government to fulfill its duty in preventing further tragedy.