Forest in Argentina inaugurated to honor memory of Nova Festival victims

KKL Argentina, the local branch of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), inaugurated the Bosque KKL Nova memorial forest in Mendoza, Argentina, earlier this month, where 414 trees were planted, each representing a victim of the Nova massacre. 

The forest is the first memorial site dedicated to the Nova massacre outside Israel. A monument will be erected at the heart of the forest, providing families and visitors with a place to gather, reflect, and remember those who were murdered.

The forest features jacaranda, olive, cypress, lapacho, sweetgum, and other tree species selected for their suitability to the region and symbolic significance.

Inspired by the Re'im Grove and the Nova memorial site, both managed by KKL-JNF in Israel, KKL Argentina established the forest in partnership with the City of Mendoza as a gesture of solidarity with Israel.

The establishment of the memorial forest illustrates “the deep commitment of Jewish communities in the Diaspora to stand alongside Israel and preserve the memory of those who were murdered,” said KKL-JNF chairman Eyal Ostrinsky.

“Each of the trees planted in this forest represents an entire world – a person, a family and a story that will remain forever etched in the heart of the Jewish people, in Israel and beyond,” he added.

Bereaved families return to Argentina 

A delegation of bereaved families and representatives of the Nova Tribe Community Association attended the dedication ceremony alongside KKL-JNF representatives. The delegation also held testimony sessions in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

According to KKL Argentina, the forest is intended to turn remembrance into action, creating a place where each tree carries a memory.

“Planting 414 trees creates a living memorial that continues to grow and brings the names and stories to audiences overseas,” said Reef Peretz, executive director of the Nova Tribe Community Association.

“For the families originally from Argentina, returning to the place where they were born to commemorate their children is an emotionally charged and moving personal journey.”

Members of the delegation reportedly participated in October 7 commemorative events, met with members of Argentina's Jewish community, and shared their personal stories at synagogues and educational institutions in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

KKL-JNF reported that during these meetings, the families spoke about their loved ones, the Nova community, and life since October 7. The initiative's website also features parents sharing stories about their murdered children, introducing the people behind the names represented by each tree.

Peretz also thanked Argentinian President Javier Milei for “his steadfast partnership and for choosing to stand with the families of the victims of La Nova” 

‘The people behind the number 414’ 

Omri Kochavi, project manager at the Nova Tribe Community Association and a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, joined the delegation and accompanied the families throughout the visit.

Kochavi participated in the association's activities in Argentina in 2024 and has since been involved in public diplomacy efforts in Israel and abroad.

“I feel an immense sense of responsibility and purpose in joining this journey, both as a survivor and as someone accompanying the families. All of the bereaved families of Argentine origin taking part in the delegation are returning to the place where they were born, this time to commemorate their children,” said Kochavi.

“When we meet people in Argentina, we want them to get to know the people behind the number 414 - their names, their stories, and their families,” he added.