Nova Exhibition in NYC and the Importance of Allyship

Last week, 150 leaders from diverse backgrounds gathered in New York City for the Nova Music Festival Exhibition and Dinner sponsored by the Redstone Family Foundation, which I have the pleasure of leading. Our mission at the Foundation is to combat racism and antisemitism through civics and cross-cultural education. Our multicultural gathering included leaders both Jewish and non-Jewish, Black and White, Christian, Muslim, Latino, and Asian.

We came together in the spirit of allyship to learn about the horrific events of October 7th when 400 young, peace-loving, music festival goers in Israel waiting for the sunrise were brutally attacked by Hamas at 6:29 am -? killed, maimed, raped, mutilated, and taken as hostages. Guests used words like “heartbreaking” and “speechless” to describe their reaction to the NOVA massacre.

At dinner following the exhibition, we heard from Dr. Michael Lomax, CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), who reminded us of the importance of allyship with the Jewish community, citing the historical connections between Blacks and Jews dating back to the founding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in the early 1900’s. We also heard moving testimony from Nova Survivor Millet Ben Haim who told her harrowing story of survival, and ultimately reminded us that when the world is full of so much darkness, we must turn on the light.

The next morning 40 guests returned for our Leadership Breakfast to share the work they're doing in their own communities and to discuss what we can do together as allies In the fight against hate. Many of these guests traveled from Boston, Atlanta, Hartford, and Los Angeles to be part of this 2-day experience.

The news and social media would have us believe the world is so divided, but there are so many of us who seek to understand, build bridges, and promote unity and peace.

NOVA is running until June 16th in New York City and then moves to Washington DC and eventually Los Angeles. If you haven't experienced NOVA yet, go! It's open to the public and tickets are just $8, available online here:? https://www.novaexhibition.com/