The memorial to the victims of the Nova Festival massacre has become the Jewish National Fund’s (KKL-JNF) most visited site, attracting around 7,000 visitors a day.
Dedicated to those who lost their lives at the scene of a psychedelic music festival on October 7,2023, it has become a major national landmark in Israel.
On that day 364 individuals, mostly civilians, were murdered when Hamas terrorists poured over the border as part of a coordinated spate of deadly attacks. A further 40 people were taken hostage from the event, some of whom remain in Gaza.
The memorial was born from the initiative of bereaved families who sought to honour their loved ones lost in the attack.
Erected on the spot where the massacre unfolded – the newly-redeveloped Re’im parking lot – it features a series of pillars displaying the faces of the victims, each accompanied by Israeli flags.
The area also includes red anemone sculptures crafted by local artists, symbolising the young lives lost in the tragedy, and a grove of trees planted by the families on Tu Bishvat last year in a heartfelt tribute to the victims.
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Since the massacre, thousands have visited the site to lay wreaths and pay their respects (Image: KKL-JNF)[Missing Credit]
Yaniv Maimon, Southern Region Director of KKL-JNF, expressed pride in its national importance, particularly given the emotional significance it holds for local staff, many of whom were personally impacted by the events of October 7.
"This site has become a focal point for many, offering a chance for the public to pay their respects. It’s a deeply personal mission for those of us involved in maintaining it," he said.
In a bid to make the memorial more accessible KKL-JNF has invested 4 million shekels in improving the parking lot, including the installation of access pathways and public conveniences, improved signage and spaces for educational programs.
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, KKL-JNF’s Chairwoman, emphasised the intense emotional and symbolic importance of the site, saying: "We have stood by the families from the beginning, and making the memorial accessible is part of our national duty.
"This is not just a memorial to what was lost, but a living testament to Israel’s resilience and unity. The constant flow of visitors, the tears, the embraces—it’s a reminder of the deep need to remember and honour the victims, and we are committed to ensuring this site is maintained with the dignity it deserves."
But for the relatives of the victims like Meir Zohar, who lost his daughter Bar in the attack, the site has become more than just a memorial. "This place is a space where our pain is seen, where we can connect with our lost loved ones," Zohar said. "KKL-JNF has done an incredible job preserving this site, ensuring that the victims' stories will never be forgotten".
