By Miriam Gershenson
CULVER CITY, California – An exhibit has opened that captures the horror and heartbreak of a day that will forever be etched in the memories of many. The Nova Exhibit, running until October 8, 2024, is a powerful and somber tribute to the Nova festival in Israel, where a day of celebration was shattered by an unspeakable act of violence.
The Nova festival, once a vibrant celebration of life and music, became the scene of unimaginable terror when Hamas terrorists attacked on October 7, 2023. The exhibit is dedicated to showcasing the brutal reality of that day, not through abstract art or distant interpretations, but through the very remnants of the festival itself. Visitors are confronted with the stark reality of the attack, with items from the festival site displayed in their raw, unaltered state—portable bathrooms riddled with bullet holes, a stage that once echoed with music now eerily silent, tents torn apart, and cars reduced to burned husks.
The experience begins innocuously enough, with a video showing festival-goers dancing, laughing, and enjoying the carefree atmosphere that festivals are meant to create. But this moment of joy is fleeting. As the video ends, visitors are plunged into the chaos that ensued when the attack began. The exhibit is designed to disorient and unsettle, with cell phones and televisions playing various videos from that day, creating a cacophony of sound and visual overload that mirrors the panic and confusion experienced by those present.
As visitors move through the exhibit, they encounter the aftermath of the attack—burned-out cars, the bullet-riddled bathrooms, and the remnants of what was once a lively bar. The most haunting moment comes when visitors reach the wall adorned with the faces of those who were murdered that day. It’s a powerful and emotional moment, a stark reminder of the lives lost in an act of terror.
For many, the exhibit is more than just an exploration of a tragic event—it’s a deeply personal experience. I was getting emotional as soon as I walked into the exhibit after the video at the beginning. While emotions of sadness and anger were consistently coming up, I had a complete breakdown when I saw the photo of my childhood best friend, Daniel Ben Senior, on the wall where all those who were murdered were. I struggled to continue after seeing her and needed to leave.
The exhibit’s designers seemed to anticipate the overwhelming emotional toll it would take on visitors. Upon exiting the main exhibit, there is a large room designed to help visitors recover. This calming space, offering snacks and a serene environment, provides a necessary reprieve after the intense experience. This room was a lifeline. I sat there for a little while, and when I finally felt ready, I left.
The Nova Exhibit is not just about remembering the past; it’s also about supporting the future. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Nova community, providing much-needed support to those affected by the attack. It’s a poignant reminder that while we must never forget the horrors of that day, we must also work to rebuild and support those left behind.
The Nova Exhibit is not an easy experience, nor is it meant to be. It’s a raw and unflinching look at the realities of terrorism and its devastating impact on innocent lives. For those who want to understand what happened at the Nova festival and to pay tribute to those who were lost, this exhibit offers an unparalleled and deeply moving experience.
In the end, the Nova Exhibit stands as both a memorial and a call to action. It is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable evil, the human spirit endures, and that through remembrance and support, we can help to heal the wounds left by tragedy. To Learn more, visit the Nova Exhibit
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Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer based in Escondido, California.