Argentina plants 414 trees to memorialize Nova massacre victims

A forest containing exactly 414 trees was inaugurated in Mendoza, Argentina, on November 3. Each tree corresponds to one of the individuals killed in the Nova music festival massacre.

KKL Argentina, the local branch of the Jewish National Fund, established the Bosque KKL Nova. This project marks the first memorial location dedicated to the victims outside of Israel.

The planting effort was developed in partnership with the City of Mendoza. The design draws inspiration from the Nova memorial site and the Re'im Grove, both of which are managed by the Jewish National Fund within Israel.

The site features jacaranda, olive, cypress, lapacho, and sweetgum trees. These species were selected for their adaptability to the regional climate and their symbolic significance.

A monument is planned for the center of the forest. This area will serve as a gathering space for relatives and visitors who wish to remember the deceased.

Bereaved families and representatives from the Nova Tribe Community Association traveled from Israel for the dedication. The group also attended commemorative events in Buenos Aires and Mendoza in October.

During their visit, the delegation met with local synagogues and educational institutions. They shared personal testimonies regarding the events of October 7.

Eyal Ostrinsky, chairman of the Jewish National Fund, stated that the forest reflects the commitment of diaspora communities to preserve the victims' memory. He noted that each tree represents a specific person with a distinct family history.

Reef Peretz, executive director of the Nova Tribe Community Association, said the growing forest will help share the victims' stories internationally. He described the return of Argentine-born families to their birthplace as an emotional experience.

Peretz expressed gratitude to Argentine President Javier Milei for his support of the victims' families. The initiative's website now features stories told by parents about their murdered children.

Omri Kochavi, a survivor of the massacre and project manager, accompanied the families on the trip. He emphasized that the meetings were designed to help the public understand the individual lives behind the number 414.