Nova festival organizers say IDF probe shows ‘the magnitude of the failure’

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Partygoers flee the Nova festival near the Gaza border community of Re'im as Hamas terrorists approached on October 7, 2023. (South First Responders)
Partygoers flee the Nova festival near the Gaza border community of Re'im as Hamas terrorists approached on October 7, 2023. (South First Responders)

The production company behind the Nova music festival responds to the publication of the IDF’s investigation into the massacre on October 7, saying that it is grateful that the military has taken responsibility for its failures.

“The investigation revealed and verified the extent of the neglect we felt, and the magnitude of the failure that emerges from it is multi-systemic, shocking and incomprehensible,” it says in a statement.

“We appreciate the fact that for the first time since that damned and unbearable day, an official is finally standing up to us, taking responsibility, admitting to the failures and dealing with the anger, pain and difficult questions,” it says.

The company notes that the investigation revealed that the festival received all the proper authorization from the army and police, and that the partygoers were abandoned for many hours amid the onslaught.

“The producers of the Nova and many of the staff members remained at the scene, evacuating participants, providing medical aid, saving lives, and fighting while rescuing hundreds of wounded,” it says.

“We will continue to build and restore our community, this is our life’s mission and we hope that this time, we will not be left alone in the battle,” the company adds.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.