Day 2
NOVA Music Festival Site
and
the Valley of Elah
Date: Saturday, October 25
Our second day in Israel began with a somber visit to two sites forever marked by the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023—the Car Memorial and the NOVA Music Festival Site. Standing where so many innocent lives were taken, I felt a deep sense of sadness, pain, and compassion for the Jewish people.
The stories we heard and the images we saw were heart-wrenching. Yet even amid such sorrow, I was reminded that God’s purposes will not be thwarted, and His promises to Israel remain sure.
Some of the accounts below are difficult to read, but I encourage you to stay with me through them, because God turns evi . By the end of the day, we stood in a place that vividly declares God’s power to defeat evil and bring victory through faith—the Valley of Elah, where David triumphed over Goliath.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
The Car Memorial
Our group visited two sites that memorialize the victims of the October 7th, 2023 terrorist attack. The first site is known as the Car Memorial—one of three “death car lots” housing thousands of vehicles destroyed by gunfire, RPGs, and fire. Many of these cars had been abandoned by Jewish civilians fleeing Hamas, and tragically, many were later looted.
As we took in the haunting view of the rows of charred cars, our tour guide, Tito, explained how this memorial came to be. In Jewish culture, the burial of the dead is an act of deep reverence and significance. After the attack, many of the victims’ bodies were found burned inside their vehicles. Concerned that not all human remains could be properly gathered, the rabbis faced an agonizing dilemma.
Initially, they planned to bury all the cars together in a massive pit, treating the vehicles themselves as graves. However, this proved impractical. Instead, each car was meticulously vacuumed, and every trace of human remains—even the smallest particles—was collected and buried in accordance with Jewish tradition.
Once this sacred task was completed, the remaining cars were left in place as a memorial—a powerful, visible testimony to the atrocities committed against the Jewish people and a reminder of the preciousness of every human life.
Standing there, I was overwhelmed by the weight of grief and the depth of love the Jewish people have for their own. Yet even in that place of sorrow, I remembered the heart of God who remembers His people and will one day bring justice and restoration to this land.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
The Death Van
Before I share a more uplifting story, I want to explain the picture above that shows what looks like a large van. This was actually a Red Cross ambulance stationed at the NOVA Music Festival, which was attacked by Hamas on October 7th, 2023.
During the chaos, sixteen Israelis sought refuge inside the ambulance, hoping to find safety. Tragically, Hamas fighters fired an RPG directly at the vehicle, killing everyone inside. The story of this ambulance has since become known as “The Death Van”—a chilling name that echoes the horrific memories of the death camps from the Holocaust.
Standing before that van, I was struck by the depth of evil and the pain endured by God’s people, Israel. Yet even as I felt the weight of grief, I was reminded that God’s heart breaks over such suffering, and He will one day bring perfect justice and peace through His Messiah, Jesus.
“For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” — Isaiah 30:18
Recording of the Car Memorial
To the right is an extended video recording of the Car Memorial site. The purpose of this recording is to document the overwhelming evidence of the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023.
This footage helps convey the magnitude of the devastation—something that cannot be fully captured through still photos or written words alone. Sadly, many conspiracy theories attempt to minimize or deny the full extent of the horrors committed that day.
By sharing this video, I hope to bear truthful witness to what occurred and to honor the memory of the victims, standing with the Jewish people in remembrance and compassion.
You can also participate in bearing witness by sharing this story of my time in Israel with your friends, family, and local church, helping others understand the reality of what happened and the need for prayer and support for God’s people.
“You shall not bear false witness… but speak the truth in love.” — Exodus 20:16; Ephesians 4:15
The Gospel at the Car Memorial
At the Car Memorial, I was deeply grieved by the evidence of the October 7th massacre of the Jewish people. Yet God used this moment to provide a unique opportunity to share the love of Christ with two Jewish individuals I met.
While at the memorial, I decided to walk the entire length of the fence to record footage showing the full severity of the Hamas attack, not knowing how long it would take. When I returned, I discovered that the bus and my tour group had already left. Since it was Saturday (Shabbat), the site was closed, and there were no staff available to help me communicate with my group. I also did not have international cell service.
I found myself stranded near the Gaza Strip—definitely not an ideal place to be stuck.
As I looked around, a Jewish couple named Yoni and Dana approached and asked if it was my bus they had just seen leave. I explained the situation and shared that I had walked the site to record its full extent to show people back home the reality of the Hamas attack.
Yoni and Dana were grateful to hear about my interest in Israel and in promoting the truth about what had happened. They asked why I was in Israel with my group and why we cared. This is a question I heard often on the tour—and it’s one of my favorite questions to answer.
I explained that I am a Christian, traveling with a group associated with The Friends of Israel, and that as believers, we love Jewish people because Jesus, their Messiah, loved us and changed our lives. While they did not respond verbally much, I am confident that this was a significant gospel moment.
Jewish people, especially in Israel, need love and support. The world often opposes them, and they long for genuine friends. While Israel is not perfect (no person is beside Jesus); as Christians we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). In addition, the Apostle Paul believed that his ministry to the Gentiles increased when even a few Jewish people were saved (Romans 11:13—14).
Please join me in praying for Yoni and Dana, that God would open their eyes and hearts to the transforming love of Jesus.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
NOVA Music Festival Site
Over 380 memorials have been set up at the NOVA Music Festival site to honor the victims of the October 7th terrorist attack.
Tragically, Hamas had not originally planned to target this festival, but upon discovering it, they hunted and slaughtered as many young people as they could. The memorials stand as a solemn reminder of the innocent lives lostand the devastation caused by this atrocity.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Snack Bar Massacre
Dozens of young Jewish men and women attempted to hide in a snack bar during the attack. Tragically, they were found by Hamas and murdered.
A Miracle at the Snack Bar
Inside the snack bar, there were three drink coolers. Amazingly, a young Jewish woman hid in one of these coolers and survived. The Hamas attackers did not think to look inside, and her life was spared.
I do not know her name, but I pray that one day she will come to know that it was Jesus, her Messiah, who preserved her precious life. Even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, God’s hand is at work, protecting and preserving His people.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7
Dumpster Massacre
One of the final locations I visited at the Nova site was a dumpster where many Jewish people hid for their lives in fear of Hamas. Again, Hamas found these innocent young people and murdered them.
Conclusion to the NOVA Festival Massacre
Sadly, some people—even those who claim to be Christians—view this terrible event not as a tragedy but as a deserved punishment, pointing to the nature of the Nova Music Festival, which involved drunkenness and other kinds of sin. Some even argue that we should withhold blessing Israel because they are sinful and have rejected Jesus, claiming they are “getting what they deserve.” I have heard this argument far too many times. Such reasoning is unbiblical and far from the heart of Jesus.
The Bible provides guidance on how we should view Israel, even when the nation struggles with sin and unbelief. In Numbers 22–24, the nation of Israel was being punished by God for unbelief and wandered the wilderness for 40 years. Near the end of this period, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to prevent Israel from entering the Promised Land. He hired Balaam, a pagan prophet with a reputation for invoking curses on nations, to curse Israel.
Yet Balaam was unable to curse Israel. Instead, God directed him to bless Israel, declaring in Numbers 24:1:
“When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.”
This is significant because the Israel God chose to bless was the same nation being disciplined for unbelief. In the very next chapter, Israel would again rebel against God through the sin of Baal-Peor, engaging in idolatry and sexual immorality with the people of a pagan nation. Yet even in the midst of their repeated failures, God’s love and purposes were not thwarted, because His commitment to Israel is anchored in the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—promises that are eternal and unchanging.
As we await the future redemption of Israel, we have no excuse to withhold blessing today. Even in the midst of sin or unbelief, we are called to love and support Israel, because God loves them and has a plan for their ultimate redemption through Jesus the Messiah.
Friends of Israel Bomb Shelters
Before our team arrived at our next location, we stopped by a local village with a school to view a bomb shelter donated by the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. I was blessed to be on the tour with FOI’s President Jim Showers who explained to us that the ministry has purchased 100 bomb shelters and placed them at locations near schools and hospitals.
In this moment, I felt especially proud to be serving with a ministry that has such a genuine passion for God’s people Israel.
We were able to fit 16 people in the bomb shelter and there was still plenty of room for more people. Imagine the relief of having a bomb shelter just feet away from the soccer field where your children play. What a wonderful blessing this must be for Israel during this time of war.
The Valley of Elah
After visiting the Car Memorial and the NOVA Music Festival Site, we made our way to the Elah Valley where David killed Goliath.
A Mysterious Rock at the Valley of Elah
At the Valley of Elah, I came across a rock that appears to have ancient Hebrew inscriptions on it! I am hoping to consult an archaeologist to confirm whether this is truly the case.
Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing discovery—it could shed light on the rich history of this remarkable biblical site!
Conclusion to Day 2
At the conclusion of the Joseph story, Joseph told his brothers that while they intended their actions for evil, God intended them for good. Our God surely turns the evil plans of His enemies into good. Today, I witnessed God using the evil massacre of His people Israel into an opportunity to share the love of His Son Jesus the Messiah with His people. I am hoping for more opportunities like this throughout the week. Please be praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for the individuals souls to find peace with God which is only possible through faith in Jesus their Messiah.
After two days of being in Israel I have been able to share the love of Jesus with three Jewish people whose hearts God softened to allow me to connect my love for them with the love of Jesus. These experiences are significant for my ministry with Friends of Israel in the greater DC and Baltimore area. Both locations are politically strategic for the United States and the world. The greater Washington DC area has over 20 Jewish synagogues and over 300,000 Jewish people who need to know that Christians love them because Jesus loves them.
As I am still raising financial support, I ask that would join me in ministry by both prayer and sacrificial financial giving. As of now, the greatest financial need are monthly ministry partners. Some give $25 a month, others $50, $75, or even $100 or more. Every monthly partner strengthens this ministry and helps us reach God’s people in DC and Baltimore with the good news of Jesus.
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