KKL-JNF Bans Parties at Nova Site Ahead of Anniversary

Ahead of the first anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks, Keren Kayemeth LeYisrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has clarified that visits to the Nova music festival site in the Re'im Forest will be permitted for remembrance and commemoration purposes only. This clarification comes in response to reports suggesting intentions to hold parties near the anniversary date.

KKL-JNF stated that in coordination with the Israel Police and security and rescue forces, no permits will be issued for organized events or activities unrelated to remembrance. The organization urged visitors to respect the sanctity of the site, the memory of the victims, and the feelings of the bereaved families.

Specifically, KKL-JNF emphasized that setting up tents, overnight stays, installing sound systems, lighting fires, or using barbecues will not be permitted at the site. Any activity inconsistent with the site's solemn nature will be prohibited.

KKL-JNF Chairman, Eyal Ostrovsky, drew a parallel to Auschwitz, stating that holding any celebration at the Nova site, where 378 civilians and security personnel were murdered, is unthinkable. He stressed that KKL-JNF's sole focus is preserving the memory of the victims, highlighting the millions invested in establishing the memorial site when the state had not yet acted three years after the massacre. Ostrovsky also mentioned KKL-JNF's significant investments in other areas across Israel, including the north, the Jordan Valley, and the south.