Forest in Argentina inaugurated to honor memory of Nova Festival victims

KKL Argentina inaugurated the Bosque KKL Nova memorial forest in Mendoza, Argentina, with 414 trees planted to honor each victim of the Nova massacre. The forest is the first Nova memorial site outside Israel, established in partnership with the City of Mendoza. A delegation of bereaved families attended the dedication ceremony.

KKL Argentina, the local branch of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), inaugurated the Bosque KKL Nova memorial forest in Mendoza, Argentina, earlier this month. The forest comprises 414 trees, each representing a victim of the Nova massacre on October 7, 2023. It is the first memorial site dedicated to the Nova massacre outside Israel. A monument will be erected at the heart of the forest. The forest features jacaranda, olive, cypress, lapacho, sweetgum, and other tree species. Inspired by the Re'im Grove and the Nova memorial site in Israel, KKL Argentina established the forest in partnership with the City of Mendoza. A delegation of bereaved families and representatives of the Nova Tribe Community Association attended the dedication ceremony. KKL-JNF chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said the forest illustrates the deep commitment of Jewish communities in the Diaspora to stand alongside Israel. Reef Peretz, executive director of the Nova Tribe Community Association, said planting 414 trees creates a living memorial. The delegation also held testimony sessions in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Peretz thanked Argentinian President Javier Milei for his partnership. Omri Kochavi, a survivor of the Nova massacre and project manager at the association, accompanied the families.