Bono Holds Special Tribute to Victims of Music Festival Attack in Israel
In a heartfelt moment during U2’s Las Vegas residency show, Bono, the lead singer of the iconic band, dedicated a performance to the victims of the devastating attack on a music festival in Israel. The tragic incident, which occurred during the Paralello Universo festival in Re’im, saw the loss of 260 lives and left hundreds more missing.
Taking the stage at the impressive new Sphere venue in Las Vegas, Bono expressed his condolences and offered prayers for those affected by the violence in Israel and Palestine. He specifically mentioned the music festival attack, expressing his sympathies towards the victims of this senseless act of terror.
The attack, carried out by Hamas operatives, unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning. Reports indicate rockets struck the festival site at around 6:30 am, followed by gunfire targeting attendees. The scene was one of chaos, according to witness accounts.
In an emotional moment, Bono addressed the audience, emphasizing the need for a non-violent resolution to the ongoing conflict. He began by acknowledging the festivalgoers who tragically lost their lives, describing them as our people, our kind of people. Music people. Playful, experimental people.
Bono acknowledged the apparent irony of singing a song about non-violence in light of the recent events but reaffirmed that peace and non-violence have always been at the heart of their prayers. The performance was dedicated to the victims and their families, honoring their memory and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Prior to Bono’s tribute, Rax Gaster, an artist manager who witnessed the attack, described the horrifying scene as chaos and terror unfolded. Gaster and others present at the festival quickly realized the urgency of the situation and fled for safety. Moments after their escape, Hamas fighters armed with machine guns, RPGs, and grenades arrived at the site, inflicting further devastation.
The Paralello Universo festival was meant to be a gathering of like-minded individuals who shared a love for music and sought to enjoy a carefree experience. Instead, it turned into a nightmarish ordeal, leaving a peaceful and musical community shattered.
As the world mourns the loss of so many innocent lives and prays for peace, Bono’s tribute stands as a testament to the power of music in moments of darkness. U2’s performance serves as a reminder that through unity, strength, and the universal language of music, healing can begin.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial to remember and honor those who lost their lives while reaffirming the collective commitment to peace and non-violence.
