Israeli Festival Organizers Speak Out for First Time After Massacre

Organizers for Israel’s Supernova Sukkot Gathering have released their first statement since the massacre of hundreds of attendees at the festival in Re’im, Israel, on Oct. 7.

The Tribe of Nova's statement, posted to social media, states in Hebrew and English that the organization offers its "sincere and heartfelt condolences to all the families, friends, partners, and couples who have lost their loved ones or have been affected by the tragic events that unfolded, following that magical night that turned into an exceedingly heavy morning."

It noted that what was meant to be a happy and fun electronic music event turned into "a scene of unspeakable tragedy, an inhumane war crime, and unprecedented violation of the most basic human values."

Furthermore, the organizers noted that they were "working hand in hand with security forces and authorities to help find answers and bring back all that those who can return to their families and friends," stating that they are “searching for those located in the disaster area, or other locations, recovering equipment from the site and its surroundings and, above all, ensuring the security of Israel.”

At least 260 people died at the festival over the weekend, multiple outlets reported.

Witnesses at the festival said terrorists, including some who appeared to be no older than 17, captured and sexually assaulted women, The Messenger previously reported.

"Women have been raped at the area of the rave next to their friends bodies, dead bodies,” one anonymous survivor told Tablet Magazine.