Father of Nova Festival Victim Quits Knesset Race for New Party

Nissim Louk, the father of Shani Louk, who was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7, announced Tuesday he is withdrawing from his Knesset candidacy with the "Orot Ha'Shachar" party. Louk has declared his full support for the new "Am Israel" party led by Brigadier General (Res.) Ofer Winter, and will assist in promoting the party.

Louk explained his decision by stating his belief that "only one leader in the country is capable of carrying out and executing a full emigration from Gaza, Ofer Winter." He described Winter as a determined leader whose priority is Israel's security. Louk expressed pride in supporting Winter's new party, which he noted was not involved in the events of October 7.

Louk, a right-wing activist, has been raising awareness about the need for security and the voluntary emigration of Gaza residents for the past three years. He founded "Orot Ha'Shachar, A Party for Everyone" ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, but has now decided to join forces with Winter to advance their shared vision.

Winter's endorsement comes amid increasing pressure from the right for him to withdraw from the race, due to concerns that small parties failing to pass the electoral threshold could siphon votes from the bloc. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Religious Zionism Chairman Bezalel Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadan, Winter's rabbi and head of the Eli pre-military academy, along with Rabbi Yigal Levinstein and Rabbi Yehuda Sadan, to try and prevent a split in right-wing votes.

Winter responded to the meeting, criticizing the attempt to pressure him to withdraw. He stated that "the people of Israel want different politics" and are tired of "ugly and unethical campaigning." Winter aims to present an alternative leadership that takes responsibility and admits mistakes, emphasizing his party's reliance on faith and their commitment to continue the race "to the end with all our might."