Father Visits Nova Site 3 Years After Son's Murder
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Dror Tzfati visited the Nova festival site three years after his son, Chai Tzfati, was murdered there on October 7. Tzfati, who has suffered from post-traumatic stress, spoke of his son's last words promising to return. Chai was killed in a shelter at the Re'im junction after trying to flee the festival. Tzfati finds strength in his faith and the memory of his son, who was known for his smile and love of music and the Beitar Jerusalem soccer team.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Dror Tzfati visited the Nova festival site three years after his son Chai was murdered there on October 7.
- Tzfati described his son's last words as a promise: "Dad, I'll return to you."
- Chai Tzfati was killed in a shelter near the Re'im junction after fleeing the festival.
- Tzfati's daughter narrowly escaped attending the festival with her brother.
- Tzfati finds strength in his faith and the memory of his son's smile.
- Chai Tzfati was a devoted fan of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer team.
Three years after the October 7 massacre, Dror Tzfati visited the Nova music festival site for the first time, where his son Chai Tzfati was murdered. Tzfati described his fear of returning to the location and confronting his trauma, stating he has been in post-traumatic stress for three years. He recalled the last message from his son, who promised, "Dad, I'll return to you," a promise that remains unfulfilled.
Chai Tzfati was at the Nova festival when rocket sirens sounded. His mother urged him to flee, and he escaped to a shelter near the Re'im junction. However, the shelter became a death trap as gunfire approached. His final words to his mother were, "I love you, I'm sorry, forgive me, don't be angry with me." Dror Tzfati tried to call his son at 8:02 AM, but the phone was no longer available. Chai's body was found two days later and he was buried on October 10.
Despite the immense pain, Tzfati expressed gratitude that his family did not have to wait months for news of his son. He also shared a story of salvation: his daughter was supposed to attend the festival with her brother but decided at the last minute to stay home. "I am grateful that God pulled my daughter from that place," he said.
Tzfati remembered his son as a rare individual, always smiling and helpful, who loved music, worked in the food industry, and was a devoted fan of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer team, a passion passed down through three generations.
Finding strength in his faith, Tzfati believes his son is studying in the afterlife with Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a spiritual connection that has guided his family for years. "Faith is what sustains me," he stated. The memory of his son's voice, smile, and final promise continue to accompany him daily.