Cadena Club Visits Powerful Nova Exhibition

By: Alexandra Bentes

On Tuesday, February 12th, over 100 students from Don Soffer Aventura High School attended a special field trip to the Nova Exhibition–a powerful and moving experience that tells the story of the Nova Music Festival attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

“I organized this trip through the Cadena Club because I believe it’s important to educate people and show the world what really happened that day. This was not just a regular school field trip, it was a chance to learn, feel, and remember.”

The Nova Exhibition guides visitors through the events of October 7th using real artifacts from the festival site–burnt cars, bullet-ridden bathrooms, and personal belongings left behind. These powerful objects, paired with haunting images and firsthand stories, highlight the devastating contrast between the joy of the music festival and the horror of the attack. One section of the exhibit also displays photographs of the hostages who remain in captivity, serving as a sobering reminder of the ongoing impact of that day.

At the end of the exhibit, the students had the powerful opportunity to hear from Roey Dery, a survivor of the attack. He shared his personal story–speaking about his friends, what they witnessed and endured, and how the tragedy transformed his life. After losing his best friend that day, Roey faced immense grief, but over time, sharing their memories became a source of strength. His words were emotional, heartfelt, and deeply moving. For the students, it was a powerful reminder of why we must continue to speak out against hate and violence–and why we should cherish every moment with the people we love.

Before the group left, they were walked through the Healing Room–a quiet, powerful space dedicated to reflection and hope. At its center was a message that read, “We will dance again.” It served as a moving reminder that even in the face of profound pain, healing and unity are possible.

This trip left a profound impact on the Soffer students who attended, with many sharing that it deepened their understanding of the tragedy. Don Soffer Aventura High School extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Cadena Club for making this meaningful experience possible. Through their efforts, our school community was given the opportunity to learn, reflect, and stand united in remembrance.