Boy George Returns to Nova Site, Dedicates Tel Aviv Show to Survivors
The singer visited the Re’im desert rave site for the first time since the October 7 attack, where he met survivors and family members.
By Rafael Delgado ·
Pop star Boy George toured the Nova desert rave site at Re’im on Tuesday afternoon. It was his first visit to the location of the massacre referenced in his pro-Israel song, “We Will Dance Again.” He was guided by survivors and met with bereaved family members who frequently visit the site.
George is currently in Israel for the fourth day of a trip. He plans to perform in Tel Aviv on November 4 and again on November 7. His second show is dedicated to Nova survivors. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who arranged the visit, is providing 1,500 tickets to that community.
During the visit, George listened to Jenny Sividia, whose brother and his girlfriend were killed at the rave. He also heard from May Hayat, a bartender that night who escaped by playing dead. Omer Shem Tov, a former hostage released after 505 days of captivity, also joined the group. Shem Tov noted it was only his second time at the site since his return.
Shem Tov told George that it is unusual to be back at the place where he was taken hostage. “I came to dance and enjoy with my friends, to have fun and to be free like thousands of people with me,” Shem Tov said. “I never imagined this place would change my life.” He thanked George for the courage to travel to Israel and perform.
Ofir Amir, a Nova organizer and manager of the Tribe of Nova Association, echoed the sentiment. Amir’s association created a traveling exhibit of the rave that George saw in London. That exhibit inspired the song and the visit. “Artists have the power to influence millions of people and with that comes responsibility to make sure hatred never finds a home on our dance floors,” Amir said.
George has faced criticism from fellow musicians for his outspoken support of Israel. He mentioned receiving a letter from Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters urging a boycott, which he discarded. George said he wrote “We Will Dance Again” because he felt he needed to address his feelings deeply. “With a song you can’t waffle, you’ve got to get to the point,” he said.
He identified the line “If you’re ever confused, I stand with the Jews” as the most important part of the track. George said he will sing that line in his Tel Aviv show, despite the vocal strain it causes. He last performed in Israel in 2017 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv.
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. At the Nova site specifically, 378 people were murdered and 44 were taken captive. George said he watches the news coverage from that day and has seen the scope of the attack and rising anti-Israel sentiment worldwide.
