Return to Re’im: Emotional Visit to Site of Nova Festival Massacre
On the 91st day following the horrific October 7 attack at the Nova Festival near Kibbutz Re’im, families of hostages and journalists embarked on a heartrending visit to the massacre site. This event, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv, aimed to remind the world of the brutal assault by Hamas terrorists that resulted in 364 civilian deaths and the abduction of over 40 individuals. The families and journalists traveled to the festival grounds, now a place of mourning, where the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by memorials and portraits of the victims and those still held hostage.
During the visit, family members shared their agonizing experiences and ongoing anguish. They spoke of loved ones lost or still in captivity, highlighting the brutal reality faced by the hostages in Gaza. The visit shed light on the personal tragedies inflicted by the massacre, with detailed accounts of the suffering endured by the hostages and the relentless uncertainty experienced by their families. Liat Bell-Sommer, the spokesperson for the Families Forum, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Every day, every minute is a danger to their lives.”
As the families walked through the site, once a symbol of joy and celebration, they were surrounded by haunting reminders of the tragedy. Michael Levy recounted the harrowing ordeal of his brother Or, taken hostage, and the murder of Or’s wife Einav. Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romi is still held captive, expressed her struggles with guilt and worry for her sister’s well-being.
The visit to Re’im was not just a journey back to a place of horror; it was a plea for action and a reminder of the unresolved hostage crisis. The families called for more significant efforts by the Israeli government, the international community, and the Red Cross to secure the hostages’ safe return.
For an in-depth look at this poignant visit and its significance, read the full article and watch the video by the Media Line’s Aaron Poris on our website.
