Shapiro Visits Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to Tour Nova Exhibition Honoring Victims of October 7th Massacre in Israel

On Monday Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for a tour of The Moment the Music Stood Still: The Nova
Music Festival Exhibition alongside business leaders, elected officials, and leaders from various faith communities in recognition of the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.

The exhibition includes both interior and exterior installations aimed at memorializing the victims of the Hamas-led massacre, including personal belongings of festivalgoers, such as burned cars, bullet-riddled structures, and objects left behind by survivors of the attack at the Nova Music Festival.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the October 7th attacks, Governor Shapiro led a delegation of business leaders, elected officials, and leaders from various faith
communities through the exhibit, including Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Senator Bob Casey. Before the tour, Governor Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Davis,
and Sen. Casey met with Sigal Manzuri and members of her family, whose two daughters, Norelle and Roya, attended the Nova Music Festival and were killed on October 7, 2023 — to hear their stories of strength and remembrance.

Credit: Commonwealth Media Funds

“One year ago, Hamas, a terrorist group, initiated this terrible war with horrific acts of violence — killing 1,200 people, sexually assaulting women, and taking more than 250 innocent hostages, including American citizens — about 100 of whom remain in captivity today,” said Governor Shapiro. “Lori and I are honoring their memories in part by leading a delegation of Governors from across the country, along with community, education, and interfaith leaders, to visit The Nova Exhibition at the Weitzman Museum. We are here to bear witness to the lives lost on that devastating day — a day that should have been filled with music and joy, as people were ambushed while dancing and singing with friends. As we mourn the loss of so many innocent lives over the past year, Lori and I continue to pray for the return of the hostages, for an end to war, for peace in the Middle East, and for strength for all those who courageously combat terror, as well as for tolerance and understanding. May their memories be a blessing.”

“I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his efforts in bringing this exhibit here. The victims of October 7th were real people with bright ahead of them, and they shouldn’t be defined by the tragic moments that took their lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Davis. “I also want to thank Sigal and her entire family for being here today and sharing their powerful story. As a parent, I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re enduring, but you’ve turned that pain into purpose, ensuring that your daughters’ memories will live on. We all stand here today, recommitted to peace and to building a society where everyone has the right to live up to their God-given potential.”

“Thank you to the Weitzman Museum for the honor of being here on this day of remembrance, reflection, and recommitment. We must ensure we are doing everything
possible to confront evil in the world – whether it’s the evil of terrorism or the darkness in the human heart – both of which were tragically on full display in the most horrific way on October 7, 2023,” said Senator Casey. “Whether it’s the evil of Hamas, other terrorist organizations in the Middle East, or the Iranian regime, we must confront and defeat that evil. I also want to thank the Governor and the First Lady for bringing us together today.”

After viewing the installation earlier this year, Governor Shapiro worked to bring the exhibition t the Weitzman Museum in honor of the one-year anniversary of the terror attack on Israel. Governor Shapiro visits the museum often and was sworn into office on a Bible from its collection. The Moment the Music Stood Still exhibition features a replica of the festival’s grounds,including a camping area with tents and a DJ booth. Visitors encounter firsthand accounts of the attack through video testimonies and written narratives, helping to capture the impact of the events on survivors. The installation uses concert lighting and dimmed tones to create a space for reflection. Two scorched vehicles from the festival grounds are on display on the pedestrian plaza in front of the museum, offering a stark reminder of the devastation inflicted during the attack.

Credit Commonwealth Media

“These artifacts tell a powerful story of survival, loss, and resilience,” said Dr. Misha Galperin, outgoing President and CEO of The Weitzman Museum. “We are honored to host this important exhibition and ensure that the stories of those impacted by the massacre are shared with communities across Pennsylvania.”

Created and directed by Reut Feingold and organized by the producers of the Nova Music Festival, the exhibition garnered attention through sold-out installations in New York and Los Angeles. Its arrival in Philadelphia underscores Pennsylvania’s solidarity with Israel and the American Jewish community during this difficult time of remembrance. The exhibition is open to the public through October 13, 2024. Admission is free of charge and you can reserve free tickets online.

Governor Shapiro to Visit the Weitzman Museum’s Exhibition Memorializing the October 7 Anniversary