Netanya, Israel – Survivors and families of the Nova Music Festival massacre gathered Wednesday in the Ilanot Forest near Kadima Tzoran for the public unveiling of Beit Nova, a permanent center dedicated to recovery, support, and remembrance. The site visit and ribbon cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone in the long term response to one of the deadliest terror attacks in Israelโs history.
The center, formally named the Diane Goldman Kemper and Robin Kemper Home for Inclusivity, is located at Yaโar Haโilanot, east of Netanya between Highways 2 and 4, near the Netanya railway station. Known publicly as Beit Nova, the facility is designed to serve survivors of the Nova massacre, bereaved families, and the wider community through comprehensive recovery and engagement programs.
The event was hosted by UJA-Federation of New York and included remarks from Nova survivor Ofir Amir, returned hostage Mia Schem, bereaved family member Sigal Mantzui, and Eric Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer of UJA-Federation of New York. The speakers reflected on loss, resilience, and the need for long term infrastructure to support those affected by the October 7 massacre.
Beit Nova is a 10 million shekel project primarily funded by donors affiliated with UJA-Federation of New York. According to organizers, the center is expected to benefit more than 3,500 survivors, 2,500 immediate family members of victims, and more than 10,000 members of the broader community over time.
The facility will operate as a multi purpose hub offering a wide range of services. These include therapy workshops, seminars, mentoring, and structured social support initiatives. Training workshops will focus on skill development for personal and professional growth, while recovery activities will include cultural programming, sports, dance, theater, film, and community gatherings.
Beit Nova will also provide access to treatment through a variety of therapeutic modalities and first aid support. An education and commemoration center will host memorial exhibitions and structured programs for visitors from Israel and abroad, ensuring that the events of October 7 are remembered with accuracy and dignity.
The project was made possible through a two million dollar lead gift from UJA-Federation of New York, along with additional support from the Cayton Goldrich Family Foundation, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the Greater Washington Jewish Federation, and the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York. Organizers confirmed that the center is being developed in partnership with Alin Beit Noam, an organization recognized for its work supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Together, the partners are creating what they describe as the Neighborhood of Unlimited Possibilities, an inclusive environment designed to foster healing, empowerment, and community connection across diverse populations.
Eric Goldstein described Beit Nova as both a memorial and a forward looking investment. โThe UJA New York Nova House stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Nova community,โ he said during the ceremony. โTrue to the Nova slogan, โWe will dance again,โ this House will provide opportunities for healing, growth, and community connection.โ
Survivors and families in attendance emphasized the importance of a permanent space that acknowledges both trauma and continuity. Organizers noted that many survivors continue to navigate profound psychological, social, and economic challenges more than two years after the attack.
The location near Netanya was selected for its accessibility and its proximity to nature, which planners say plays a role in therapeutic recovery. Guided site tours highlighted areas designated for group therapy, cultural programming, memorial spaces, and inclusive recreational activities.
UJA-Federation of New York officials said the project reflects the organizationโs broader commitment to Israel and global Jewish responsibility. According to UJA, the federation works with a network of hundreds of nonprofit partners, reaching approximately 4.5 million people annually across Israel, North America, and nearly 70 other countries. Each year, UJA distributes approximately 180 million dollars in grants.
As Beit Nova begins operations, organizers stressed that the work of recovery and remembrance is ongoing. The center is intended not as a temporary response, but as a lasting institution embedded in Israeli society.
Additional information about Beit Nova and the Nova community is available through the Tribe of Nova Foundation at www.tribeofnova.com.
