From Tragedy To Healing: Beit Nova Unveiled Near Netanya

Survivors and families of the Nova Music Festival massacre gathered on Wednesday, January 14, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided site visit at the Diane Goldman Kemper & Robin Kemper Home for Inclusivity

Photo credit: Yonatan Katz

Survivors and families of the Nova Music Festival massacre gathered on Wednesday, January 14, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided site visit at the Diane Goldman Kemper & Robin Kemper Home for Inclusivity, located in the Ilanot Forest near Kadima/Tzoran.

The event marked the public unveiling of Beit Nova, a permanent home dedicated to recovery, support, and remembrance for survivors and bereaved families.

The event was hosted by UJA-Federation of New York and featured remarks from Ofir Amir, Nova survivor; Mia Schem, returned hostage; Sigal Mantzui, bereaved family member; and Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.

Located at Ya’ar Ha’ilanot, just east of Netanya, between Highways 2 and 4 near the Netanya railway station, Beit Nova will serve as a vibrant hub for survivors, members of Nova’s bereaved families, and the broader community. This 10-million-shekel project, primarily funded by UJA-Federation of New York donors, will provide long-term recovery programs, cultural and sports activities, workforce development, and social engagement—benefiting more than 3,500 survivors, 2,500 immediate bereaved family members, and over 10,000 community members overall.

The UJA New York Nova House will offer:

Community Programs: Therapy workshops, seminars, mentoring, and social support initiatives

Training Workshops: Skill-building sessions for personal and professional growth

Recovery Activities: Cultural events, sports, dance, theater, film, and social gatherings

Access to Treatment: A range of therapies and first-aid support

Education & Commemoration Center: Memorial exhibitions and programs for visitors from Israel and abroad.

The project has been made possible by a $2 million gift from UJA-Federation of New York and additional support from donors including the Cayton-Goldrich Family Foundation, CJP, The Greater Washington Jewish Federation, and the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York. It is being developed in partnership with Alin Beit Noam, a leader in providing therapies and support for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Together, they are creating The Neighborhood of Unlimited Possibilities, a groundbreaking inclusive center fostering healing and empowerment for all.

“The UJA New York Nova House stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Nova community,” said Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York. “True to the Nova slogan, ‘We will dance again,’ this House will provide opportunities for healing, growth, and community connection.”

For more information, visit TribeOfNova.com.