The Nova site, now one of Israel’s most visited places of remembrance, was created by bereaved families to honor the lives lost during the brutal massacre at the Nova Music Festival. Featuring photographs of the victims and Israeli flags, the site has been significantly developed by KKL-JNF to include pathways, accessible infrastructure, educational spaces, and a memorial grove – transforming grief into a space of reflection, and resilience.
As part of a week-long educational mission led by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), two bipartisan delegations of freshman members of Congress visited the site as one of several key stops across the country. The visit included briefings with Israeli leaders and firsthand encounters with communities affected by October 7th.
During the ceremony, U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) each planted a tree on behalf of the 2025 AIEF Congressional Delegations, symbolizing not only remembrance but a shared commitment to Israel’s future.
U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN): “Today and always, we remember the innocent lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack on October 7. Make no mistake: The United States unapologetically stands with our ally, Israel, in their fight against Hamas. This is a matter of good versus evil, and there is no room to equivocate.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA): “I am humbled and honored to join in the sacred tradition of planting trees to honor the memory of the innocent victims whose lives were cut short by violence at the Nova Musical Festival,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. “I hope the trees that grow here will bring a small measure of comfort to all the families impacted by that terrible tragedy.”
Approximately 120 people participated in the ceremony, including members of Congress, their families, senior staffers, and AIEF leadership, among them AIPAC President Bernie Kaminetsky. KKL-JNF representatives, including World Chairwoman Mrs. Ifat Ovadia-Luski and CFO & Acting CDO Mr. Yuval Yenni, welcomed the delegations and emphasized the power of international partnerships in supporting Israeli communities on the frontlines.
“To stand here – on land that has absorbed so much pain – and to plant life alongside friends of Israel is not just a privilege. It is a mission,” said KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski. “The memorial trees planted today serve as a living declaration from both Israel and the United States: we will not forget, we will not give up, and we will continue to grow even through the pain. This moment, where representatives from both U.S. parties act together, is proof that a courageous partnership can rise above political differences. Our alliance is genuine, built on shared values, unwavering support, and hope. I thank the entire American nation for its extraordinary support of Israel over the past two years.”
This visit and tree planting at Nova highlight the enduring, bipartisan strength of the U.S. Israel relationship – a bond rooted in shared democratic values, mutual security interests, and deep human connection.