3 minute read
Survivors Speak: The Emotional Screening of "Supernova" Documentary in Charlotte
June 2024
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
In a moving event that drew over 300 attendees, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, in collaboration with the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC), recently hosted a screening of the documentary, “Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre.” The documentary offered a minute-by-minute retelling of the harrowing events of October 7 through real-time footage and survivor testimonies. As the audience sat in rapt attention, there was not a dry eye in the room.
The true highlight of the event came after the screening, as attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from three survivors of the attacks: Gat Gonen, Yali Jacobovitz, and Sapir Sa’ar. Each survivor shared their personal story, offering a raw and human perspective on the tragedy. Gat Gonen, an Israeli mother, recounted her survival in a bomb shelter with her two-year-old son, while Yali Jacobovitz, a former soldier, spoke of his decision to leave safety to join the defense.
Sapir Sa’ar, a festivalgoer attending with friends, shared her experience of the chaos and fear that engulfed the event.
“The LJCC community showed up in large numbers to bear witness to one of the most tragic events in recent history,” said Michelle Rusgo, director of art and culture at the LJCC.
"The brave survivors who gave their testimonies following "Supernova" made sure the audience was able to hear the names of their friends and family members who were murdered by Hamas on October 7. Although it was an emotional event to attend, it was very impactful and meaningful to coordinate the film with the three survivors."
The survivors’ testimonies added a compelling dimension to the film, allowing attendees to connect on a deeply personal level. Their courage and resilience resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of strength and hope in the face of adversity. “We will dance again,” is a quote from the film that seems to encapsulate the mood of the night.
Following the event, many attendees took to social media to share their thoughts and reflections. The consensus was clear: while "Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre" was undeniably heartbreaking, it was also a necessary and powerful film. The opportunity tp hear from the survivors firsthand was a moving experience for all. As we continue to grapple with the aftermath of such senseless violence, events like these serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
