Boy George tours October 7 exhibition at Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, meets mother of two Nova victims

Upon his visit to Israel, International music icon Boy George visited the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, where he toured “06:29: From Darkness to Light,” an exhibition documenting the events of October 7 and the scale of the tragedy, alongside stories of courage, rescue and solidarity within Israeli society. He was joined on the tour by Sylvan Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress in Israel and a member of the museum’s board of directors, and Jonathan Riss, the museum’s CEO.

Through photographs, including the work of photographer Ziv Koren, and personal testimonies on large-scale screens, visitors encounter the stories of those who experienced the events firsthand. At its heart are testimonies from more than 40 women from diverse backgrounds across Israeli society, presented in a way that creates an intimate, face-to-face encounter with the women telling their stories.

Boy George was visibly moved and spoke about the importance of spaces that invite people to pause, listen to personal stories and reconnect with the human dimension of the tragedy. “This is a wonderful place to come and think and feel. One of my favorite things was listening to the stories [from 06:29], which are filmed so beautifully. What you’re hearing can seem almost otherworldly, yet it’s presented in such a matter-of-fact way that it brings a real sense of humanity to what you’re seeing and hearing,” he said.

“That’s so important, because so much of that human feeling gets lost. People don’t seem to have time for it. They’ve got time for gossip, but not for anything of real substance. A space like this gives you the opportunity to pause, to focus on the real sadness of these stories, and, in a way, on the sadness of the world.”

Museum CEO Jonathan Riss said: “Boy George’s visit, as an artist with international influence, is an opportunity to bring these voices to new audiences around the world.”

Boy George also met Sigal Mansuri, whose two daughters, Nurel and Roya, were murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7. He shared his own experience of losing his mother and told her he could not imagine the pain of losing two daughters. Sigal thanked him for his moral courage and described the encounter as beautiful and deeply meaningful.

The famous artist's connection to the Nova community began with a visit to the Nova 06:29 exhibition in London, after which he released the song “WE WILL DANCE AGAIN.” He announced that his second concert in Israel, on November 7, will be dedicated to the Nova community, with 1,500 tickets donated for survivors and bereaved families.

Separately, in addition to the museum, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted British singer-songwriter Boy George at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday. Herzog told him, “Today, we want to thank you, Boy George, for standing together with Israel and the Jewish people,” and recalled that the singer had said, “If you’re ever confused, I stand with the Jews. I don’t feel brave, I just need to behave like a human.”

While speaking, Boy George said, “I feel like ‘We Will Dance Again’ has forced me to grow up,” adding that the experience “has made me much more aware of what is out there emotionally and what challenges us.”

There, Boy George also met former hostage Elkana Bohbot, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival and held for 738 days. During his turn to speak, Bohbot said, “Boy George, thank you for your friendship and for choosing to bring your music to Israel.”