The recent opening of the Nova Exhibition in Miami sparked an emotional response across the community as audiences paid tribute to the lives abruptly shattered on October 7, 2023—and the resilience of those left behind. The exhibition traveled from New York City to LA before moving to Greenwich Studios in North Miami, where it is scheduled to run until February 16, 2025. It is a visceral experience that stays with you long after you leave.
The Nova Exhibition commemorates the tragic events of October 7, when the Nova Music Festival in Re’im, Israel, was violently attacked by soldiers from Hamas. The journey begins in a room filled with the vibrant energy of the festival—loud music, bright colors, and joyful testimonies from attendees expressing how much the event meant to them.
But then the video abruptly ends, the mood shifts dramatically, and visitors are guided into the next room.
The dimly lit room is filled with rows of screens, each flickering with hundreds of videos of survivors and family members of those who passed away. The quiet hum of overlapping voices creates an overwhelming symphony of grief, and the walls seem to echo the pain of their stories. Their voices, often trembling with emotion, offer glimpses into the horrors they endured and the loved ones they lost, bringing an almost palpable weight to the air. Personal mementos, like photographs or handwritten notes, are displayed alongside the videos, making the loss feel deeply personal and heartbreakingly real. Their courage to relive such pain for the sake of remembrance was inspiring to see.
There, the true sorrow hits you like a truck. The dimly lit room is filled with hundreds of screens, each showcasing videos of survivors and family members bravely sharing their stories. The space feels heavy with a profound sense of grief, amplified by the quiet hum of overlapping voices that seem to echo endlessly. Their voices, often trembling with emotion, offer glimpses into the horrors they endured and the loved ones they lost. Their courage to relieve such pain for the sake of remembrance was inspiring to see.
As I moved further into the room, my eyes were drawn to the back wall, which displayed photographs of the 364 individuals who lost their lives. Below each image sat a paragraph detailing who they were, their accomplishments, and the dreams they carried. These personal stories brought the victims’ humanity to light. One moment will forever stay with me—as I stood reading, a woman pointed to a picture and quietly murmured, “This was my daughter’s boyfriend.” The quiet agony in her voice made the loss feel all the more real and made me feel connected to the weight of her pain.
The exhibition encourages visitors to leave notes of hope and prayer next to candles in the room. This act creates a space for reflection and a collective wish for the future of the Jewish people.
But the most touching part of this room was the personal objects and remnants from the event: scorched cars, bathroom stalls marked with bullet holes, and scattered belongings left behind in the chaos. Among these were items that seemed eerily familiar, like sneakers and backpacks, things that someone my age would own.
“Seeing the actual garments worn and used the day of the tragedy made me feel as if I was there living through it. It was impossible not to imagine myself or someone I love in their place, and that thought lingered with me long after I left,” said Gabriel Karsenti ’26, who visited the exhibition.
One of the most beautiful elements of the exhibition is the connection it draws between generations. Holocaust survivors have been speaking and offering solidarity to Nova Festival survivors. These holocaust survivors, who firsthand know the weight of unimaginable loss, have reopened their own wounds to comfort others. Similarly, a Nova survivor will often be present to speak directly to visitors, sharing their trauma to help others process theirs.
Looking back, what struck me most was the resilience of all the individuals involved: those who lost loved ones, those who survived, and those who continue to carry the weight of their grief. Instead of succumbing to anger or seeking revenge, they advocate for peace and justice. Their ability to rise above hatred and focus on healing is a testament to their unwavering and compassion.
As Miami continues to grow as a cultural hub, the Nova Exhibition stands out as a profound milestone for our city’s cultural narrative. With the exhibition set to leave on February 16, I urge you to visit while you still can. Let it leave you with a deeper understanding of resilience, loss, and the fragility of life.
