Nova Music Festival Exhibition Coming to Toronto to Honour Victims and Survivors of October 7 Attack
TORONTO – The Nova Music Festival Exhibition, an immersive and educational tribute to the lives lost and survivors of the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, is set to open in Toronto for six weeks from April 23 through June 8, 2025. This will be the first time the exhibition is displayed in Canada.
The exhibition tells the story of the Nova Music Festival, a celebration of music and arts that turned into one of the largest massacres in music history when Hamas terrorists attacked on October 7, 2023. Of the 1,200 people killed in Israel that day, 370 were from the festival, including four Canadians. More than 250 people were abducted, among them 44 festival attendees.
Jesse Brown, Lead Canadian Representative for the Nova Exhibition, describes the exhibit as a tribute to the strength, survival, and resilience of the Nova community. “This exhibit is to honour and remember the victims while also hearing the heart-wrenching stories of survivors who remind the world that we will dance again,” said Brown.
Visitors to the exhibition will experience a full sensory journey through a re-creation of the festival grounds, complete with real artifacts, personal belongings left behind, and physical evidence from the attack. Charred vehicles, bullet-ridden bathroom stalls, and abandoned merchandise stands will be on display, alongside firsthand footage and survivor testimonies. Bereaved family members and survivors will be present daily to share their stories.
Ofir Amir, Founder and Producer of the Nova Music Festival, emphasized the importance of keeping the festival’s message of light and unity alive. “It is important, as part of our core values, that we take care of our community, help lead in the rehabilitation of the Nova survivors, and make our voices heard to the whole world,” said Amir.
Toronto, home to the world’s third-largest Jewish community outside of Israel, has seen a rise in antisemitism and hate crimes. Organizers believe the exhibition will play a crucial role in promoting awareness, education, and solidarity. Evan Zelikovitz, Canadian Representative for the Nova Exhibition, reinforced this point, stating, “This is not a political statement. It is a reflection of what happened at a festival dedicated to love and peace. It could have happened to you, your son or daughter, or friend.”
The Lawfare Project Canada is partnering to bring the exhibition to Toronto, with Director Brooke Goldstein highlighting its role in fostering education and allyship while reaffirming democratic values.
Curated and directed by Reut Feingold, the Nova Music Festival Exhibition has previously been displayed in Tel Aviv, New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Miami, attracting over 300,000 visitors. High-profile attendees have included mayors of major cities, faith-based leaders, and celebrities such as Diplo, SIA, Usher, Jessica Alba, Will Ferrell, Kristen Bell, David Schwimmer, and Cindy Crawford.
Net proceeds from the exhibition will support the Nova community, funding initiatives for victims and families affected by the attack.
The Toronto venue will be announced at a later date, but organizers confirm it will span over 60,000 square feet, making it one of the largest exhibitions in Canadian history.
For tickets and more information, visit novaexhibition.com.
SOURCE Nova Exhibition
