A Day of Unity and Tribute
The “X FTV ESCOLA” Futvolei Tournament will take place on May 29th at Geula Beach, Tel Aviv, and will be dedicated to the victims of the Nova festival massacre. The day will focus on remembrance, community connection, and emotional healing for survivors and grieving families.
The event is organized by the Nova Tribe Community in collaboration with top futvolei player Maor Hess, who is Israel’s national champion, European champion, and world vice-champion in the sport.
In Their Names
The tournament will honor the memory of Omri (Amriki) Aharak, Yarin Moshe Ephraim, Doreen Atias, and Liron Barda, all members of the Nova Tribe who were killed in the October 7 terror attack. Alongside the athletic competition, the event will feature memorial ceremonies, refreshments, prizes, and inclusive activities designed to offer support and healing.
Sport as a Pillar of Recovery
The Nova Tribe operates a dedicated futvolei group with approximately 20 players who train several times a week. For them, the sport has become a source of routine, resilience, and emotional strength in the aftermath of trauma. Organizers emphasize that this is more than a tournament — it’s a powerful expression of continuity and remembrance.
“Many of those murdered at the Nova festival were avid futvolei players,” said Riff Peretz, chair of the Nova Tribe Community. “This tournament is how we remember them — by playing in their honor and carrying forward their spirit through sport.”
Open to the Public
The Nova Tribe is inviting the general public to attend the tournament. Organizers are expecting a large turnout — at the previous tournament, held in memory of Liron Barda z”l, over a thousand people participated.
