Music festival survivors, victims' relatives discuss PTSD, substance abuse, mental health effects

A conference in Tel Aviv Port on September 8 brought together over 500 Nova festival survivors and bereaved relatives to openly discuss the links between trauma, substance abuse, and mental health after the October 7 massacre. Organized by the Nova Tribe Community Association and the Israeli Center for Addiction and Mental Health, the event featured research data and survivor panels.

A conference titled "Maintaining the Balance" was held in Tel Aviv Port on September 8, 2026, drawing over 500 survivors of the Nova, Mushroom, Psyduck, and Midburn music festivals and relatives of those murdered during the October 7 massacre. The event was organized by the Nova Tribe Community Association and the Israeli Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICA), with support from the Welfare and Social Equality Ministries and the Mifal Hapayis national lottery. The conference aimed to bring the connection between trauma, substance use, and mental health into open, non-judgmental discussion. Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran, ICA co-founder, presented data showing that 54% of Israelis with PTSD symptoms report problematic substance use. He explained that PTSD can reshape substance use patterns and that treating trauma requires addressing substance abuse. A panel of survivors and bereaved family members discussed coping methods. The event was hosted by Daniela Dor Levin, sister of murdered festival-goer Idan Dor, and Doron Mizrahi, a Nova survivor who helped evacuate the wounded. Rif Peretz, CEO of the Nova Tribe Community Association, emphasized the need for open conversation and mutual support without shame. The conference concluded with a stand-up comedy performance by comedian Israel Katorza.