What It Is About
The upcoming Burning Man festival in Nevada will include a moving tribute to honor the victims of the tragic Nova Festival massacre. The memorial, known as “06:29” or “NOVA HEAVEN,” is a heartfelt creation by survivors of the Nova Festival and October 7th pre-Midburn gathering. This exhibit aims to reflect themes of hope and healing, encapsulated in an array of artistic and musical performances.
Why It Matters
This memorial stands as a significant platform to honor the 405 victims of the massacre and to celebrate their unending spirit and light. The Burning Man festival, with its history of inclusivity and artistic expression, offers a global stage to remember and heal, showcasing the resilience of those connected to the Nova Festival tragedy.
The Details
Survivors from the tragic event will build memorial art installations, and beloved Nova musicians will perform, including Omri Sassi, Captain Hook, Infected Mushroom, Mita Gami, and Jenia Tarsol. At the pivotal moment of 06:29 AM, marking when the Nova Festival music stopped on October 7, DJ Captain Hook will play at sunrise, creating a powerful moment of remembrance.
Key Memorial Elements
- Beacon of Light and Hope:A massive replica of the iconic shading structure from the Nova Festival, spanning 42.5 meters and standing 10 meters high, symbolizing the final dancing place for the 405 victims.
- Angels Ascending to Heaven:Six spirals representing the Star of David points, connecting the desert ground to the sky, featuring 405 wooden angels each inscribed with a Nova victim’s name.
- The Gate of Remembrance:A large metal archway inscribed with “We Will Dance Again.” The illuminated letters will stand as a prominent landmark at the festival.
The Vision
Co-creator Omri Sassi described the objective as not merely to mourn but to honor the victims by depicting them as angels whose spirits continue to shine brightly. This emphasis on healing and celebrating life has been echoed by Israel Bachar, Israel’s Consul General in Los Angeles, who called the work “incredibly symbolic.” Sassi and the Nova team are actively fundraising to ensure Nova survivors can attend the festival and that the ‘Nava Tribe Community Association’ continues its vital work commemorating the victims and supporting the families and survivors in their recovery journeys.
Organizational Response
The Berkeley initial inclusion of a controversial pro-Palestinian exhibit met with backlash resulted in its removal, this tragedy-driven exhibit by Israeli artists underlines peace, remembrance, and community resilience.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.