Three years after the October 7 attack by Hamas, Route 232 in southern Israel has become a memorial site, marking the tragic events that unfolded as festivalgoers attempted to escape the violence. The highway, which served as the only exit from the Nova music festival, transformed into a scene of chaos and death as individuals sought refuge in roadside bomb shelters that became targets for gunmen.
As rockets were fired overhead, attendees fled onto Route 232, where concrete bomb shelters designed for protection were prevalent. Many sought shelter inside, while others abandoned their vehicles in search of safety. Hamas gunmen pursued them, firing into the shelters and ambushing those who attempted to escape.
Locals have dubbed the highway “Death Road,” where memorials have been established, featuring portraits of the deceased, flowers, and tributes. The October 7 Parliamentary Commission Report states that nearly 300 individuals were killed along the 33-mile stretch of Route 232, including festivalgoers, motorists, cyclists, farmworkers, and police officers.
One survivor, Gilad Karplus, 34, recounted his experience of being shot in the head while fleeing. He described the panic as people scattered for survival and noted the chaos that ensued when gunfire erupted. Karplus, who had served in the Israeli special forces, and his friends attempted to escape through fields rather than the crowded highway, but encountered more attackers.
Karplus recalled the harrowing moments as they sought refuge in a bathroom for over six hours, hearing the violence outside. He reflected on the devastation they witnessed when Israeli soldiers finally reached them, describing the scene as unimaginable.
The memorials along Route 232 include simple roadside shelters that provided little protection against close-range attacks. One notable incident involved 22-year-old Aner Shapira, who defended those hiding inside a shelter by throwing grenades back at the attackers. Another victim, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was abducted and later killed in Gaza.
At the Nova festival grounds, memorials reflect the lives lost, with photographs and messages from those who sought refuge in a rubbish container during the attack. The original container has been returned to the site, containing messages from those who hid inside.
The future of the shelters has sparked debate, with some advocating for their relocation to a formal memorial site due to safety concerns. However, bereaved families oppose this, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memorials in their original locations. Israel's heritage minister has designated the shelters as national heritage sites, limiting their removal or alteration.
Karplus, still dealing with the aftermath of his injuries, has not revisited the entire route of his escape. He now provides massage therapy to fellow survivors, returning to the work that initially brought him to the festival. For visitors, Route 232 serves as a somber reminder of the tragic events, with ongoing tributes and memorials honoring those who lost their lives.