Yarin Ilovich, a DJ at the Nova Music Festival, stopped the music at 6:29 am on October 7, just before a deadly attack by Hamas on innocent Israelis. An exhibition at 35 Wall Street recreates the tragic event where more than 360 people were killed and 44 were taken hostage. The space is filled with items from the festival such as tents, blankets, chairs, burned-out cars, and bullet-riddled porta-potties, evoking a visceral response from visitors, including tears.
Music mogul Scooter Braun, motivated by anger and a desire to give the survivors a voice, brought the exhibition to New York City. He was frustrated by the lack of response from the music industry following the attack, especially when compared to the support shown after incidents like the Manchester bombing. Braun wanted to emphasize that the tragedy was about music, not politics, and aimed to provide a platform for the victims and survivors.
The exhibit features eerie, frozen scenes from the festival juxtaposed with videos of the Hamas terrorists preparing to attack. Personal items recovered from the scene are laid out on tables, allowing survivors to reclaim their belongings. The exhibit also includes emotional conversations between survivors and their families, highlighting the impact of the attack on individuals and their loved ones. The goal is to honor those affected by the tragedy and provide a platform for their stories to be heard.
The exhibition has become a place of healing and remembrance for survivors and the bereaved. Visitors can witness the emotional reunions of hostages with their recovered belongings, offering hope that more survivors will be reunited with their possessions. The exhibit is set to run through May 25, with plans to extend it and take it to other cities, helping to raise awareness and support for the mental health treatment of survivors and families affected by the attack.
The space of the exhibition offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, with comfortable seating and messages of hope like “WE Will Dance Again” displayed prominently. Yarin Ilovich, who remains optimistic despite the tragedy, emphasizes the authenticity of the exhibit and the importance of acknowledging the events that occurred. The main message of the exhibition is that light will always prevail over darkness, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
The “Nova Music Festival Exhibition: October 7th 06:29am – The Moment Music Stood Still” is open in New York City until May 25, offering visitors a chance to experience the emotional impact of the tragic event and support the mental health treatment of survivors and the bereaved. The exhibit serves as a tribute to the victims and a testament of hope for healing and remembrance. With plans to extend to other cities, the exhibition aims to continue raising awareness and support for those affected by the attack.
