An exhibit in New York City, named “6:29 AM The Moment Music Stood Still”, is dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the harrowing Nova Music Festival tragedy. The exhibit showcases bullet-ridden bathroom stalls, burned cars, and powerful testimonials from those who were present on October 7. This day marked the loss of 370 lives and the kidnapping of 44 individuals. The total death toll in Israel that day reached 1,200, with 240 people being taken as hostages. The exhibit serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating events that took place during the festival.
A Call for Education and Reflection
Scooter Braun, a key figure in bringing the exhibit to the United States from Tel Aviv, emphasized the importance of educating people about the tragic incident. He stressed that the Nova Music Festival massacre is not a political issue, nor is it related to race or religion. Braun likened the festival to popular music events like Coachella and Governors Ball, urging attendees to see themselves in the moment of tragedy. By shedding light on the horrors that unfolded during the festival, Braun hopes to prompt reflection and understanding among the public.
Survivors of the massacre have shared their chilling experiences at the exhibit. One survivor, Tomer Meir, recounted the abrupt halt of music and joy, turning into a horrific scene of violence and terror. He described how he and his friends were forced to flee from a rocket attack, seeking shelter in a tunnel before encountering armed terrorists. Tomer’s emotional account reflects the trauma and chaos that engulfed the festival grounds. Despite the challenges he faces in healing from the ordeal, Tomer finds solace in the support of fellow survivors within the Nova community.
The exhibit offers viewers a glimpse into the aftermath of the Nova Music Festival tragedy, with discarded tents and belongings strewn amidst the chaos. Visitors can hear a heartbreaking last phone call made by a hostage to her mother, as well as learn about the sexual assaults that occurred during the festival. A member of ZAKA, an emergency response team, tearfully describes the heinous acts of violence he witnessed, highlighting the brutality inflicted by the attackers. The exhibit, created by Nova’s founders and their US partners, aims to bring awareness to the international nature of the festival and the atrocities committed by the perpetrators.
Yoni Feingold, one of the initiators of the exhibit, emphasizes that the tragedy transcends borders and nationalities. The Nova Music Festival attracted guests from around the world, with attendees and performers from diverse backgrounds. The exhibit serves as a testament to the universal power of music and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. By sharing the stories of survivors and victims, the exhibit honors their memory and underscores the importance of unity and remembrance in the wake of senseless violence.
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