Second Hakafot Celebrations Held at Nova Massacre Site Amidst Opposition
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Second Hakafot celebrations occurred at the Nova massacre memorial site.
- The event faced opposition from many bereaved families.
- Participants stated the goal was unity, not political display.
- Some attendees expressed discomfort with the location.
- The celebrations took place shortly after the holiday ended.
Second Hakafot (a Jewish tradition of circling the Torah scroll) celebrations took place at the Nova music festival massacre memorial site in Re'im shortly after the end of the holiday on Saturday. The event, held in a bus parking lot at the memorial, involved participants dancing alongside monuments to those killed in the October 7th attack. The celebrations proceeded despite strong opposition from many bereaved families. Some attendees expressed discomfort but insisted the event was not a political display of power. "If our grandparents had fallen into depression and made a 'Sukkot of default', we probably wouldn't know how to be Jewish," said participant Tzvika Mor. The event was organized to mark Simchat Torah, with one participant explaining the decision to hold it at the site, stating, "Our nation, they brought it down a bit. But we are here, for this." He added that the aspiration was for unity, acknowledging that "not everyone liked it" among his friends. The event began with participants lighting memorial candles at the site.
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