Boy George walks Nova festival grounds with survivors
The singer visited the Re'im site where 378 people were killed in 2023, days before concerts in Tel Aviv.
By Vikram Harrison ·
British singer Boy George walked the sandy paths of the Nova festival site in Re'im on Tuesday afternoon. He was accompanied by survivors of the October 7, 2023, attack.
George visited the grounds where 378 people were murdered during the Hamas-led invasion. The trip marks his first visit to the location since writing his song "We Will Dance Again." He arrived wearing plaid pants, a top hat, and heavy eye makeup. He stopped to shake hands with bereaved family members who often visit the site.
Survivor Jenny Sividia spoke with the singer about her brother and his girlfriend, who died at the rave. May Hayat, a bartender that night, also shared her story. Hayat escaped the attackers by lying still and playing dead. George told reporters that the experience felt spiritually powerful. He observed a sense of healing among the people present. He noted that survivors are simply people who want to live in happiness.
The visit was part of a multi-day trip to Israel. George is scheduled to perform in Tel Aviv on November 4 and November 7. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams arranged the trip and is providing 1,500 tickets to the second show for Nova survivors. George met President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Monday. He also visited the Western Wall.
Former hostage Omer Shem Tov joined George at the site. Shem Tov was released from Gaza after 505 days of captivity. He described coming to the festival to dance and be free. He thanked George for traveling to Israel despite the current political climate. Shem Tov said it takes courage to fly to the country and perform there.
Ofir Amir, a survivor and organizer of the Tribe of Nova Association, also attended. Amir helps manage the association's traveling exhibit that inspired George's song. Amir said artists have the power to influence millions. He added that this power brings a responsibility to prevent hatred from taking hold in music venues. He hoped the visit would encourage other musicians to make similar trips.
George has faced criticism from fellow musicians since the October 2023 attack. The invasion killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages. At the Nova festival, 378 people were killed and 44 were taken captive. George said the term "genocide" became a chant among critics. He noted that some people with no connection to the events told him the story was not true. Jewish friends in London confirmed the details for him quickly.
George said he wrote much of his new music in the months following the attack. He aimed to create a song that would surpass his 1983 hit "Karma Chameleon." He plans to sing the line "If you're ever confused, I stand with the Jews" in Tel Aviv. He shrugged off a recent letter from Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, a prominent boycott supporter. George said he placed the letter in the bin. He last performed in Israel in 2017.
