Seventeen months ago, they ran for their lives as music gave way to Hamas gunfire. Now, the survivors of the Nova music festival massacre are inviting the world to join them in dancing once more.

The Tribe of Nova community announced Tuesday that the second annual “Nova Healing Concert” will take place on June 26 at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park.  Although the concert will celebrate life with music by prominent Israeli musicians such as Benaia Barabi, Berry Sakharof, Mosh Ben-Ari, Sasi and Rita, it will also focus on healing with organizers planning therapeutic workshops and designated spaces for processing trauma.

“Dance is a declaration, a choice, our way to continue living and spreading the light, joy, and resilience that our community symbolizes,” Tribe of Nova wrote in their invitation on Instagram. “We do not forget the pain, but we will stand strong together, as one community.

“Since that cursed October Saturday, we’ve learned that our strength lies in our unity, that music is not just a collection of sounds combined into a creation, but a space for healing, and that when the body moves, the soul strengthens.”

For survivors and bereaved families, admission will be free. All profits from ticket sales and sponsorships will fund the Nova Tribe Community Association’s efforts to support the physical and mental recovery of survivors and commemorate those killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre.

One former hostage who plans to be there is Mia Schem, who was released by Hamas during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Speaking to N12, she extended an invitation to President Donald Trump to share a dance with them.

“Thank you, President Trump, for everything you’re doing to release the hostages,” she said. “I invite you to dance with us in Yarkon Park and celebrate the moment when everyone finally returns home.”

“My vision, and that of everyone’s, is that this year should be different. A year when we won’t have to shout but embrace. Let’s dance not just for them but with them. This is the strength of our community – it heals, it strengthens, it is our home.”