KKL turned to police: "Prevent Simchat Torah celebrations at the Nova site, it does not honor Judaism"
The Jewish National Fund (KKL) has asked the police and fire department to prevent Simchat Torah events at the Nova party site in Re'im Forest, amid opposition from bereaved families. KKL chairman Avi El Ostrensky said celebrations at the massacre site do not honor Judaism. Bereaved families described the pain and shock from previous gatherings at the site.
The Jewish National Fund (KKL) has approached the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue Services with a request to prevent Simchat Torah events at the Nova party site in Re'im Forest, following strong opposition from bereaved families. KKL chairman Avi El Ostrensky told ynet that "celebrating and holding festivities at a place where a massacre occurred is disrespectful, both to the sanctity of the place and to Judaism." Last year, a Simchat Torah celebration was held at the site, and images of visitors dancing and camping hurt the families of the fallen. Dassi Aviaad, mother of the late Aviaad Halevi who was murdered at Nova, said the site is sacred and one must walk there "on tiptoes." Omri Rahum, whose sister, brother-in-law, and uncle were murdered at Nova, described the shock from videos of people dancing at the site and said: "This place is like a cemetery and Auschwitz for us." KKL director general Ilan Shochat appealed to the police commissioner and the Southern District commander to prevent gatherings, overnight camping, fire lighting, and barbecue use. The police stated they would act in coordination with all parties. Fire and Rescue Services said no requests for large-scale events had been submitted for the near future.