Opher and Sara’le Lior shared the story of their brave son, Matan z”l, who led nearly 100 Nova music festival goers to safety amidst the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Matan, who was the lead sound engineer for the festival, providing the amplification system, electrical infrastructure and lighting—kept using his microphone, even amidst the chaos and terror onslaught, to guide festival goers to exits. Then, after physically leading groups of people to safety, he returned again and again, to save more, until he was murdered, even as he shielded others.  

At B’nai B’rith’s Washington, D.C. headquarters on June 9, Opher, a longtime B’nai B’rith Israel member, said, “We want to be the voice of those murdered and tell their stories.” Opher said those murdered at the Nova music festival, who were there for peace and fun, had their future stolen from them and their values murdered. He said he and Sara’le “will give testimonies wherever we can,” to ensure the world understands the anti-Semitism of the brutal and barbaric attacks.

A film about Matan, featuring friends and family offering insights into his vivacious personality, clearly demonstrated how he positively touched so many lives.

Sara’le said “we will continue to live” and share Matan’s story. Beaming with pride, she talked about her “very intelligent and clever” son, who helped children with cancer and autism. She revealed his love for life and his gift of bringing people together.

Opher and Sara’le are now involved with the Nova Music Festival Exhibit, traveling with it internationally to share Matan’s story and ensure that his memory, his heart and his zest for life, will always inspire others. 

B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, joined by President Robert Spitzer, thanked Opher and Sara’le for sharing their son’s story. Mariaschin noted that by sharing his story, Matan’s parents are helping us all bear witness.

Sara’le said the terror attacks, and her son’s death, would not make her afraid. “Am Yisrael Chai.”