- Community supports 3,750 survivors and 413 bereaved families.
- Advocates for unique state recognition for massacre victims.
- New 'Nova House' to serve as a central hub for rehabilitation and commemoration.
The Nova Tribe Community Foundation is at the forefront of an unprecedented rehabilitation effort, transforming a community forged in tragedy into a beacon of hope and healing. As survivors grapple with the aftermath of the Nova festival massacre, the foundation identifies a critical 'golden time' for intervention and support.
The Nova Tribe Community Foundation, born from the tragic Nova festival massacre, has rapidly evolved into a vital support system for thousands. Chairman Reef Peretz highlighted the community's vast scale, encompassing 3,750 survivors, 413 bereaved families, 25 freed captives, and an extended circle of 14,000-15,000 family members. He emphasized the current period as a "golden time" for rehabilitation, a crucial window to invest resources in moving survivors from emergency response to long-term recovery. The foundation is strategically planning for 2026, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, CRM systems, and establishing more balanced homes, rehabilitation centers, and day centers.
The foundation's approach to healing extends far beyond traditional clinical settings. It fosters recovery through diverse community activities, including sports teams, wellness days, and creating meaningful engagement. This holistic strategy is vital for preventing isolation, as individuals heal best when connected with others who share similar experiences. A significant innovation is the development of over 40 sub-communities, tailored by interest or geographical location, enabling personalized support and connection. Nitzan Schlesinger, daughter of a Nova victim, shared a poignant personal story of her brother, a drummer, finding his way back to music and life through a Nova survivor band, illustrating the profound impact of these tailored community initiatives.
While acknowledging the crucial support received from the Ministry of Welfare and National Insurance at an operational level, the foundation faces challenges in securing high-level state recognition for the unique trauma experienced by Nova victims. Reef Peretz stressed that the Nova massacre was a prolonged event, fundamentally different from a brief terror attack or military combat, impacting individuals who came to dance, not to fight. The foundation sees itself as a critical bridge, working to ensure that the state fully comprehends and addresses the distinct needs of this community, including overlooked groups like bereaved siblings and soldiers who were also at the festival.
Looking ahead, the Nova Tribe is establishing the "Nova House," a physical, one-stop center in partnership with a respected US federation. This house will serve as a central hub for therapy, education, workshops, and commemoration events, providing a sense of security and belonging. The vision includes offering comprehensive support, facilitating inter-organizational collaborations, and proactively addressing sensitive issues like addiction and suicide prevention. The foundation aims to educate the immediate family circle of survivors and bereaved families, empowering them to identify warning signs and connect individuals with necessary support, ensuring no one is left behind on their journey to recovery.
“We believe that the community is an anchor for healing from trauma, and these processes are built when people don't isolate themselves and are together with those who went through what you went through.”
- Reef Peretz, Chair of the Nova Tribe Community Foundation
