Nova Site to Be Restricted to Remembrance Visits Only

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) announced on Tuesday that the Nova music festival site in the Re'im forest will be opened soon for visits solely for remembrance and reflection. This decision, made in coordination with the Israel Police and rescue and security forces, will prohibit any organized events or activities not related to commemoration.

Specifically, the JNF will not permit camping, overnight stays, sound system setups, bonfires, or the use of barbecues at the site. JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrovsky stated, "It is inconceivable to hold a celebration at the Nova site, just as no one would dare think of holding a party at the Auschwitz extermination camp. Our sole concern is preserving the sanctity of the memory of those murdered." He emphasized the JNF's commitment to honoring the victims at the Nova site and other areas where it has invested significantly.

The JNF's decision follows controversy surrounding plans to hold the "Simchatura Be'Re'im" event at the Nova site during the recent Sukkot holiday. This event, in its third year, typically includes prayers, study, remembrance stories, music, and dancing with Torah scrolls. Organizers presented it as a way to cope with the tragedy and demonstrate resilience and the continuation of life at the site of the massacre.

However, some bereaved families opposed festive gatherings at the site, arguing it should remain a place of memory and introspection. They raised concerns about extended stays and non-commemorative activities. Organizers countered that some bereaved families and survivors support the event, viewing their return to the site as an expression of memory, faith, and hope.