Metzoke Dragot Travelers’ Village hosts a retreat for Nova survivors.

The Metzoke Dragot Travelers’ Village had hosted a weekend retreat for about 150 young people who were among the survivors of the Nova party targeted during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Out of 3,000 partygoers, 364 were murdered and dozens were taken hostage in Gaza.

Located on a cliff in the northern part of the Dead Sea, this tranquil desert space with breathtaking views across the Dead Sea and the Judean mountains is the perfect location for the survivor’s seeking reflection and renewal, as they try to rebuild their emotional and physical strength.

In a joint initiative with the Megilot Regional Council and many volunteers, the Metzoke Dragot Travelers’ Village offered a two-night fully subsidized program, with full board accommodation in its camping and glamping options, traveller’s rooms, and fully equipped luxury units. But this was much more than a gathering of survivors in the desert.

The young Nova partygoers, who had witnessed the worst scenes of brutality and sexual assault and experienced mortal fear during that “Black Shabbat”, found at Metzoke Dragot a personal and collective space that allowed them to explore their emotions with the support of an array of professional volunteers. These included counselors and therapists from a wide range of disciplines, including mental health and physical therapists, all working to create a safe, healing environment.

Music, of course, is a vital thread that connects these survivors and many well-known musicians, DJs, and singers performed at the event, including DJ Skazi, Israeli singer Miri Mesika, and many more. Many suppliers donated their time, including several renowned Israeli chefs, massage therapists, and even ice bath therapists and tattoo artists.

In the words of one of the participants: “They stopped our party on October 7, but you continued it for us.”