Matan Lior Mordechai, z"l, from Shadi Hamed, was murdered at the Nova festival while trying to help others escape.

A well-known figure in the country’s music scene, Matan provided the amplification system, electrical infrastructure, and lighting for the festival.

He remained at site announcing directions towards emergency exits even as the gunmen were carrying out their murderous rampage, until he was eventually slain.

He is survived by his parents and sister.

Matan was in control of sound. He had brought his huge speakers, the ones he would climb to set up. Everyone was happy. The Trance community is full of progressive, peace-loving people. But then the terrorists came. Matan and his girlfriend ran to the car. Everyone ran to their cars. But all the vehicles leaving at the same time created a block at the exit. No one could move. Matan could see what was happening. That the terrorists were waiting on the road by the exit. He got out the car and ran back to the mic by his speakers. He shouted for everyone to get out and run for their lives. Then the terrorists arrived over the field on hang gliders.

According to his family:



“Everyone who knew him, even for a moment, knew his whole heart was full of giving, kindness, love for people and a desire to help everyone around him.


The amount of love and kindness that Matan spread in every moment of his life is enormous and the number of hearts he reached is endless and all with his beautiful smile that lit up the room with eyes that radiate kindness and human love.


His whole life was dedicated only to doing good and spreading it.”