UJA-Federation of New York, in partnership with the Tribe of Nova Association, has announced a permanent community center for Nova community members and survivors near Netanya. The new “UJA New York Nova House,” expected to open before the end of 2025, is funded through private philanthropy.
Located at Ya’ar Ha’ilanot, east of Netanya between Highways 2 and 4 near the railway station, the building will serve as a hub for survivors, members of Nova’s bereaved families and the broader public.
The 10-million-shekel ($2.8 million) project, primarily funded by UJA-Federation of New York donors, will include a variety of services and programs aimed at helping the community rebuild. It will offer long-term recovery, sports, cultural activities, workforce development and other activities, benefiting an estimated 3,500 survivors and 2,500 immediate bereaved family members of the 411 lost loved ones, and in total, more than 10,000 community members.
The UJA New York Nova House will offer:
• Community Anchor and Enrichment and Empowerment Programs: Therapy workshops, seminars, and a variety of programs designed to provide emotional and social support, including a unique mentoring companionship initiative.
• Training Workshops: Skill-building workshops to help community members thrive.
• Community Recovery Activities: Cultural events, sports, dance, film, theater and social gatherings to aid in emotional recovery.
• Access to Treatment: Various forms of therapy and first-aid support.
• Education and Commemoration Center: Memorial exhibitions and memorials open to host groups from Israel and around the world.
“It fills my heart to know that we, as a community of Nova survivors, will have a place to be anytime we are having a rough day or week, or want to volunteer and give back, and have consistency for a place of healing, learning and gaining coping tools,” said Rita Wonder, a 35-year-old mother of a 4-year-old from Haifa who survived the Nova festival. “I am sure the location will be a place of strength, where we help each other through the worst and celebrate the best to come.”
This project has been made possible with a $2 million gift from the UJA-Federation of New York and support from other donors, including the Cayton-Goldrich Family Foundation, CJP, the Greater Washington Jewish Federation, the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York and others.
It is being developed in partnership with Alin Beit Noam, an organization with expertise in providing therapies and support for individuals with disabilities and special needs. They are establishing the Neighborhood of Unlimited Possibilities: A Utopia of Inclusivity for Humanity, a groundbreaking new center that unites individuals with and without disabilities, with various forms of trauma, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive society. The whole community is partnering with the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
“The UJA New York Nova House stands as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Nova community. True to the Nova slogan, ‘We will dance again,’ this House will provide opportunities for the community to heal and grow together,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
Since Oct. 7, UJA-Federation of New York has provided more than $4 million to help those affected by the Nova massacre and to support the Nova Exhibit in New York City.
“The lack of a permanent location has limited our ability to expand our activities. Since October 2023, we have operated in temporary spaces, but a permanent House is crucial for the long-term healing and recovery of our Nova survivors. This center will provide a safe, flexible space that will grow with the community and allow us to support each other through every stage of this process,” said Reef Perez, chairman of the Tribe of Nova Organization.
A special media tour at the new site will be held on March 27 at noon. Reporters and photographers interested in attending should contact: sara@puderpr.com. Nova survivors will also join the tour and be available to speak with reporters.
For more information, visit: Tribe of Nova Foundation.