A Family Shattered by Grief: The Heartbreaking Aftermath of the Nova Music Festival Tragedy
The tragic aftermath of the deadly attack on the Nova music festival in Israel has claimed yet another life — this time, the father of one of the victims. Vladislav Bongart, who lost his 21-year-old daughter Sofia during the violent assault on October 7, 2023, died by suicide in late February, unable to bear the overwhelming grief and guilt he carried. His wife, Anna, found his body in their home in Karmiel, Israel, and later revealed that his sorrow had consumed him ever since their daughter’s death.
Sofia Bongart was among 364 people killed when armed attackers stormed the Nova trance music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, opening fire on festivalgoers and taking dozens hostage. Sofia and her childhood friend, Liraz Nissan, had debated attending different events before making a last-minute decision to go to Nova. That decision proved fatal. Liraz was killed when militants threw grenades into a bomb shelter where they were hiding, and Sofia was shot hours later as she tried to escape.
In the months following Sofia’s death, Vladislav visited her grave twice a week, always bringing red roses — her favorite. Despite his outward routine, he never spoke about his pain at work and refused any offers of support, his widow Anna recounted. She explained that her husband felt “stuck in the massacre,” weighed down by intense guilt that he hadn’t been able to save their daughter. Though his family encouraged him to seek therapy, he insisted on dealing with his anguish alone — a struggle he ultimately could not overcome.
Vladislav’s loss has left Anna and their younger daughter, Evelina, grappling with yet another devastating blow. Anna described their life before the attack as “perfect” — a family who had moved from Ukraine to Israel in 2006, built a home, and achieved stability. But the tragic events of that fateful day shattered their happiness, leaving them to navigate a future filled with unimaginable pain.
As Anna now tries to support her family amid their losses, she reflects on the importance of seeking help in times of deep grief. Therapy helped both her and their younger daughter find some solace, but Vladislav’s refusal to accept support highlights the isolating weight of sorrow. Through their tragedy, Anna hopes that others facing similar pain will recognize the strength in asking for help — before it becomes too late.