Oct. 7 Survivors Grapple with Lingering Trauma, Joblessness Three Years Later

Three years after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, many survivors and their families continue to experience profound trauma, impacting their ability to resume normal lives and secure stable employment.

Survivors describe the lingering effects of PTSD and depression, with some losing jobs and relationships in the aftermath. Rom El-Hai, who escaped the Nova festival, recounted his experience, stating, “Everything changed, and I’m learning how to live with that.” He noted that the constant state of conflict and a perceived global animosity toward Israel exacerbate these challenges.

Evyatar David, a former hostage who was featured on The New York Post cover, has spoken about the ongoing battle with PTSD and flashbacks. "Surviving captivity is one thing, but complete rehabilitation is a different battle," David stated. Organizations like the Tribe of Nova Foundation are working to support survivors, but acknowledge that the trauma's impact can worsen over time.

Many young survivors, who were just beginning their careers, have been forced to move back home with their families due to their inability to work. Seth Davis, CEO of the Tribe of Nova Foundation, noted that some parents are receiving tools to help cope with their children's struggles and mitigate suicide risks.

According to Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA Federation of New York, only 20% of Nova survivors have maintained employment for more than three months, highlighting an urgent need for more support. A new 10-acre rehabilitative center, UJA New York Nova House, is slated to open near Tel Aviv early next year.

Shye Klein, another survivor, shared that the trauma continues to affect his former work as an event photographer. Loud music or sudden silences at events can trigger anxiety, leading him to believe terrorists are present. Klein also stated that a significant number of Nova survivors are homeless, unemployed, and living in their cars, with many unable to return to their previous jobs due to a lack of financial support.

Irit Ben Arye, whose husband Haim, a bus driver, died by suicide weeks after witnessing the Oct. 7 attacks, is now counseling other widows. She emphasized that the emotional and psychological toll is ongoing, stating, “People are dealing with a lot of stress and emotions, fear and trauma. It’s not over.” Klein, diagnosed with PTSD, has accepted it as a lifelong condition, concluding, “It’s never going to go back to normal — for anybody.”