Minister Eliyahu Praises Hallel Recitation at Nova Site Amid KKL-JNF Restrictions

Minister Amichai Eliyahu of the Otzma Yehudit party stated that thousands of Jews gathered at the Nova music festival site on Friday to recite Hallel, led by his father, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu. This event occurred against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the planned "Simchat Torah Be'Re'im" gathering.

Eliyahu described the Hallel recitation as a "manifestation of the strength of this people: to remember the murdered, to bear the pain, and from it to continue living, believing, and building." He recalled standing on the same ground last year and seeing helicopters bringing back hostages, contrasting that with the sound of Hallel on the same soil that "absorbed blood and tears."

In contrast, KKL-JNF (Jewish National Fund) clarified that the Nova site in the Re'im forest is designated solely for remembrance and introspection. The organization will not approve celebrations or organized activities not related to these purposes. KKL-JNF, in coordination with Israeli police and security forces, will not permit tents, overnight stays, sound systems, or open fires, including barbecues.

KKL-JNF has arranged a designated area for prayer outside the main memorial site, where Friday's recitation took place. KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrovinsky emphasized that just as no one would consider holding a celebration at Auschwitz, no celebration is conceivable at the Nova site, where 378 civilians and security personnel were murdered. He stated that preserving the memory of the victims guides the organization's decisions.

The "Simchat Torah Be'Re'im" event, planned for its third year from October 1-3, was intended to include remembrance stories, heroism, study, prayers, songs, and Hakafot Shniyot. It is led by Zangi and Eti Midad, founders of the Tikva Forum, along with families of hostages, bereaved families, Nova survivors, and residents of the Gaza envelope. While some families view returning to the site as an expression of revival and continuity, others oppose the nature of the planned stay.