Exhibit, memorial in L.A. re-create terror attack at Israeli music festival

As a lifelong advocate for peace and understanding between peoples, I find myself deeply moved by the story of the Nova exhibition. Having spent my formative years in the Middle East, I have witnessed firsthand the complexities and heartaches that plague this region. The exhibit’s focus on humanity and the power of music resonates profoundly with me, as I believe that music has the unique ability to transcend political boundaries and unite us all.

Inside a vast, 50,000-square-foot industrial hall in Culver City, the burnt-out shells of six cars lie following an attack using rocket-propelled grenades. Portable bathroom stalls with bullet-pierced doors are scattered around, along with tents, camping equipment, clothes hung on lines, and tables marked “Lost and Found,” filled with everyday items such as shoes, sunglasses, bags, hygiene products, and keys.

During the Hamas-instigated terrorist attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7, numerous items, such as a grand dance area for over 3,000 revelers, were successfully rescued afterward.

The “Nova Music Festival Exhibition” on October 7th, specifically at 6:29 AM, is titled “The Moment Music Stood Still.” This is an engaging tribute, recreating the atmosphere of the events that transpired early that morning, as well as their aftermath. It serves to commemorate both victims and survivors.

During the festivities, a series of rocket launches occurred, which led to thousands of armed individuals from Gaza Strip, including Hamas fighters, crossing into southern Israel illegally. This unexpected attack resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, among them were around 405 festival attendees, many of whom were caught off guard as they tried to flee by car or seek safety in bomb shelters and nearby fields. Over 250 individuals were taken captive that day; 45 of these victims were festival participants, some of whom are still being held in Gaza.

Scattered among the items are disturbing videos captured live by participants, unaware that they were dancing at the very end as the attack started, along with footage from body cameras worn by Hamas militants. They later uploaded this material on the internet.

Speaking on a phone call, festival survivor Noa Kalash expresses her feelings as follows: “I care deeply for all; I yearn to return home; I’m already feeling nostalgic about everyone,” as she sought refuge during the unfortunate incident.

In a deeply emotional conversation, Meirav Gonen comforts her daughter Romi, who’s injured and attempting to escape, by saying, “Romi dear, you aren’t alone. You’re with me, my precious one. Everything will be alright.” Despite turning 24 this Sunday, Romi has been held captive in Gaza and remains there.

“Son, I’m phoning you using a Jewish person’s phone. Moments ago, I took their lives – both hers and her husband.” This is an attempt to maintain the original sentiment while rephrasing it in a more respectful and less violent manner.

The exhibit spans multiple rooms, featuring video interviews from survivors, first responders, and relatives of the captives, as well as portraits of those who lost their lives on that day, displayed across three walls.

Survivors of the festival are also on-site to share their experiences.

Millet Ben Haim, aged 28, expressed the hope that those leaving this place would carry away the lesson about the experiences of mankind. After hiding for over six hours among bushes with her companions, she was eventually rescued.

“We’re bringing attention to these horrors, not to alarm you, but to prevent such events from recurring.”

As a passionate cinephile, I’d rephrase that statement like this: “Instead of dwelling on the gloom and negativity, let’s emphasize love, empathy, and the beauty of life. Let’s ensure that hate doesn’t harden our hearts.”

Emily and Laura Damti, two Irish sisters, wish to share information about their younger sibling Kim, aged 22, whom they refer to as a stunning, exceptionally talented student. Tragically, she lost her life while seeking shelter from bombs alongside her friend Omer Wenkert, 23, who has been held captive in Gaza since the incident. As Emily put it, “Kim was a beacon of positive energy and warmth, with her bright golden hair.”

Scooter Braun, the CEO of Hybe America and a music manager known for representing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, played a significant role in bringing the exhibit to the U.S. This was also achieved by Omri Sassi, Ofir Amir (co-founders and producers of the Nova Music Festival), creative director Reut Feingold, as well as American partners Joe Teplow and Josh Kadden.

Braun expressed strong emotions, feeling compelled to take action due to his frustration over the music industry’s apparent lack of response following the tragic incident.

In the year 2017, approximately two weeks following a suicide bombing that took the lives of 22 individuals at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Braun played a role in coordinating the One Love Manchester benefit concert and TV special. This event garnered nearly $3 million to aid those affected by the tragedy.

He expressed his frustration by saying, “It’s infuriating because we were willing to challenge that very ideology which led to this situation, yet here we are still insisting that it should not be tolerated.”

Braun saw this as an opportunity to coalesce around shared values and humanity.

As someone who has had the privilege of living and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, I feel compelled to use my voice to bridge gaps and foster understanding among our community. We often find ourselves in disagreements, but we forget that this is a land where individuals of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities seek refuge and a new beginning. It’s ironic that we argue amongst ourselves while expecting peace in regions torn apart by conflict. Instead, let us set an example as a beacon of unity and harmony, demonstrating that it’s possible to live together peacefully despite our differences.

In December, he traveled to Israel and made stops at a few significant locations. One of these was Kibbutz Beeri, a once thriving community that suffered extensive damage due to Hamas-led attacks. Tragically, its residents either endured torture, lost their lives, or were taken captive. Additionally, he toured a site where a festival used to be held. “These people represented the free-spirited youth of the nation,” he noted, “they were advocates for peace who yearned for a brighter future for all. Yet, they were cruelly targeted and suffered a massacre.”

I had the privilege of meeting survivors at the Nova Healing Camp, who graciously extended an invitation for me to attend an exhibition in vibrant Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, I found myself immersed in a tiny but captivating replica of a festive setup, nestled within a spacious hangar.

He stated that it was essentially a spot for individuals to reflect on their loved ones, as well as those impacted by the situation.

Upon laying eyes on it, my mind instantly sparked with excitement: “This could be exactly what I’ve been seeking to convey this tale; I yearn to display the shared humanity among us all.” Music, something we all appreciate, seems to be the perfect medium for this. By setting aside politics and focusing on the events themselves, we can truly grasp the human story that unfolded here.

Despite the organizers claiming that the exhibit was neither political theater nor agitprop, it drew anti-Israel protesters in New York City in June. In videos shared on social media and news outlets, protesters were seen lighting flares, waving banners, and shouting slogans like “Long live the Intifada,” “Go to hell, Israel,” and “The Zionists are not Jews or humans.”

As a dedicated supporter, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact of the October 7th attack that ignited Israel’s campaign within Gaza. This operation, intended for the demolition of Hamas, has resulted in an alarming rise in Palestinian casualties, with the health ministry reporting close to 40,000 fatalities. It’s important to note that this count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The tragedy is further amplified by the displacement of over 2.3 million Gazan residents, many of whom have lost their homes and are now homeless. Sadly, large swathes of Gaza’s cities have been transformed into ruins.

Nerdeen Kiswani, an advocate for Palestinian rights, referred to the exhibition as “propaganda employed to legitimize the atrocities in Palestine” on her social media platform, and described the Nova festival as a “party happening near a detention center.”

The protest at the exhibition elicited a flood of denunciations, including from the White House, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and New York Atty. Gen. Letitia James. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called the protest “atrocious antisemitism — plain and simple.”

Braun responded to the demonstration by extending the exhibition an additional week.

Over 100 thousand individuals visited the exhibition during its stay in New York, with Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul among the attendees.

In regards to the protests, Braun expresses, “I believe free speech is meant to foster dialogue among us. If someone chooses to protest, I encourage them to show enough respect by walking through the exhibit and giving it the attention it warrants. Perhaps they’ll gain a new perspective. I want everyone to witness this. I want everyone to understand that we need to start acknowledging each other’s humanity, making music a safe space, and recognizing ourselves in this festival.”

The show is anticipated to last in Los Angeles until mid-October. Braun mentioned that organizers plan to honor the anniversary of the attacks on October 7th. Throughout the event’s duration, there will be various educational programs aimed at engaging diverse communities across Los Angeles.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that we’re aiming to expand this film exhibition to various cities, with stops in Miami, Toronto, and our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., hoping to bring the magic of cinema to more film lovers like myself!

In the final room of the exhibit, a neon sign says, “We will dance again.”

Braun stated, “It’s not exclusive to us; it’s meant for everyone. Our goal is to dance together with everyone. I believe that this inclusive message is crucial during the current period.”

The Nova exhibition will be open to the general public this coming Saturday. This exhibit, which has been privately funded, offers tickets priced at $8, $18, $36, $72, or $180. All ticket sales will benefit the Tribe of Nova Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Israel that also functions as a U.S. public charity initiative recognized by the IRS. The funds raised will be directed towards medical and mental health treatments, as well as other support projects for victims and their families affected by the October 7 attacks.

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2024-08-16 13:32