At the upcoming Burning Man festival in Nevada, which begins this Sunday and runs through September 2, a memorial will be erected in honor of the victims of the Nova Festival massacre. The memorial, part of the "06:29" (also known as NOVA HEAVEN) exhibit, is being constructed by survivors of the Nova Festival and the October 7th pre-Midburn gathering.
The exhibit will reflect themes of hope and healing, featuring performances by Nova musicians Omri Sassi and Captain Hook, alongside Infected Mushroom, Mita Gami, and Jenia Tarsol. On Saturday at exactly 06:29, DJ Captain Hook will press play to welcome the sunrise, a tribute to the moment when the music stopped at the festival on October 7.
This comes after a controversial incident in April when Burning Man organizers initially included a pro-Palestinian art installation titled "From the River to the Sea" on their summer lineup. Following a wave of backlash and calls for a boycott, the organizers removed the installation and issued an apology. Now, the tragedy of the Nova Festival will be given a significant platform at the event.
Among the memorials to be displayed:
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 last place where 405 Nova victims danced with thousands of others.
Angels Ascending to Heaven: Six spirals, each representing a point of the Star of David, connecting the desert ground to the sky. The spirals are adorned with 405 wooden angels, each laser-cut and bearing the name of a Nova victim, symbolizing eternal presence.
The Gate of Remembrance: A large metal archway serving as the entrance to the exhibit, inscribed with 3D letters declaring "We Will Dance Again." The illuminated letters will serve as a landmark in the area.
The memorials were created by artists Boris Lavi, Jen Katzir, Galit McCord, and David Shore.
"Our goal is to honor the 405 people who were murdered in the massacre," said Omri Sassi, a producer and one of the founders of Nova, who will also perform at Burning Man. "We’ve depicted them as angels in the exhibit. Although their dance has ended, their light and spirit continue to shine and inspire everyone."
"The incredible work symbolizes the community’s healing process and celebrates life," added Israel Bachar, Israel's Consul General in Los Angeles.
Sassi and the Nova producers are raising funds for this dedicated exhibit to facilitate the journey to Nevada for Nova survivors and to support the 'Nava Tribe Community Association,' which works to commemorate the victims, support grieving families, and assist survivors in their emotional and physical recovery journeys.