Boy George visits Nova massacre site as he prepares for Tel Aviv concerts

Pop star Boy George stood on the sandy paths of the Nova desert rave site on Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by survivors of the October 7, 2023 attack. It was his first visit to the location in Re'im, where he later said he observed a strong sense of healing among the families gathered there. The visit marked the fourth day of his trip to Israel, occurring one day before his scheduled concert in Tel Aviv.

George, dressed in plaid pants and his signature top hat, walked slowly through the site. He shook hands with bereaved family members who frequently visit the grounds. He listened to Jenny Sividia, whose brother and his girlfriend were killed during the massacre, and May Hayat, a former bartender who played dead to escape the attackers. The singer stated that meeting the survivors showed him that they were simply people who desired happiness.

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov joined the group at the site. Shem Tov had been held captive in Gaza for 505 days before his release. He noted that this was only his second return to the location since his abduction. He recalled arriving to dance with friends and never imagining the place would change his life. Shem Tov thanked George for the courage required to fly to Israel and perform in a global climate of criticism.

Ofir Amir, a Nova survivor and organizer, also attended the site visit. Amir now helps manage the Tribe of Nova Association. The group created a traveling exhibit of the festival that George first saw in London. That initial encounter inspired his song, "We Will Dance Again." Amir told George that artists hold the power to influence millions and must ensure hatred does not find a home on dance floors.

George explained that he watched the news coverage of the October 7 attack and realized the scope of the violence and the rising antisemitic sentiment worldwide. He said he faced criticism and ostracism from fellow musicians for his outspoken support of Israel. He mentioned receiving a letter from Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters, a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which he placed in the bin.

The singer said he wrote the song because he needed to express what he felt deeply inside. He claimed the track eclipses his 1983 hit with Culture Club, "Karma Chameleon." The most important line in the song is "If you're ever confused, I stand with the Jews." George acknowledged that reaching the higher notes on that line is difficult but said he would sing them as recorded.

Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who arranged George's visit, is providing 1,500 tickets for Nova survivors to attend the November 7 show in Tel Aviv. George's other concert is scheduled for November 4. He said he has a lot of fun dealing with haters on social media and blocks those who are nasty. He has no issue with followers who disagree with his opinions, asking why they follow him if they do not like his stance.

During the October 7 attack, Hamas-led forces killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. At the Nova festival, 378 people were murdered and 44 were taken captive. George last performed in Israel in 2017 at Tel Aviv's Menora Mivtachim Arena. He told reporters he loves the country and intends to make the new song the highlight of his upcoming shows.