Nova Festival Site Becomes Scene of Confrontation Over Memorial Events

Three years after the October 7th massacre, events including prayers and celebrations were held at the site of the Nova music festival, despite opposition from bereaved families and KKL (Jewish National Fund). The families argued that celebrating on ground soaked with the blood of their loved ones was disrespectful. Eran Litman, whose daughter Uria Litman Ricardo was murdered at the festival, overturned a catering table in protest, stating, "It is simply inappropriate to dance on the ground soaked with our children's blood." Yoram Yehudai, whose son Ron was killed at the festival, arrived to tend to the memorial flowers and found celebrants. He expressed feeling "humiliated" and stated that the events were agreed not to take place at the main festival area, comparing the site to Auschwitz and Treblinka. Yehudai called the police, who arrived at the scene.

Organizers of the event, which included bereaved families, survivors, and residents of the Gaza envelope, stated that similar celebratory events have occurred at the site in the past, though not in the exact massacre location. They requested respect for the different ways families choose to commemorate their loved ones and urged unity. Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, and Oz Davidian, who rescued many young people from the festival on October 7th, visited the site.

KKL had previously appealed to the police and fire services to prevent the events, with KKL Chairman Eyal Ostrovsky calling celebrations at the massacre site "disrespectful to the sanctity of the place and to Judaism." The Nova memorial site has become a pilgrimage destination for some families, considered more significant than a cemetery. Last year, photos of people dancing and camping at the site on Simchat Torah caused distress to bereaved families.

Dassi Aviad, mother of victim Aviad Levi, emphasized the need to tread lightly and with reverence at the site, comparing it to a synagogue. Omri Rahum, brother of victim Nitzan Rahum, echoed sentiments of horror from last year's celebrations, describing the site as a cemetery and Auschwitz for the families. KKL CEO Ilan Shohat formally requested the Inspector General of the Police and the Commander of the Southern District to prevent organized gatherings at the site, citing potential public, safety, and emotional repercussions.