In a moving commemoration event held on Jan. 25 at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, ZAKA Tel Aviv volunteers united with families of the Nova music festival victims to inaugurate a new ambulance named “NOVA” in memory of the 364 people killed during the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7.
The joint initiative of the Peres Center and ZAKA stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, fostering a spirit of healing and collaboration in the face of tragedy. The ceremony included representatives of the “Children of the Light” association supporting the families of the victims, as well as bereaved families and members of the Nova community.
Chemi Peres, chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, said: “In my worst dreams, I never imagined such a gathering at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. This is a very moving meeting between the families of the murdered and the members of ZAKA Tel Aviv who did holy work in the most difficult moments.”
He continued: “My father used to say that there are no desperate situations but only desperate people, and I am hopeful that we will all take these moments to continue building the country to new heights. We will not give up on life and hope, and from the terrible grief, we will emerge stronger and more united.”
Zvi Hasid, CEO of ZAKA Tel Aviv, said: “This is a difficult and exciting day for me and for all our volunteers. After Oct. 7, in which we cared for the final journey of the Nova party celebrants with endless dedication, today we were blessed with the opportunity to meet their loved ones. I salute our volunteers and I salute the families.”
