Shapiro visits Philadelphia, tours exhibit honoring victims of Oct. 7 massacre

Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History on Monday, marking the first anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.

‘The Moment the Music Stood Still: The Nova Music Festival 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 attacks, Shapiro led a group of business leaders, elected officials, and leaders from various faith communities through the exhibit. Before the tour, Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Sen. Bob 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 Oct. 7, 2023 — to hear their stories of strength and remembrance.

“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 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,” he continued. “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.”

‘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.

“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. The Philadelphia exhibition is open to the public through Oct. 13. Admission is free of charge and tickets are available online.