Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described an exhibition detailing the October 7 attacks on Israel as a necessary "bucket of cold water" for people to understand the realities of the Hamas-led assault. Johnson visited the Nova Exhibition in Shoreditch, London, on Tuesday, a memorial to the 413 people killed by Hamas militants at a music festival.
He urged the public to visit the display as a "dose of reality" to comprehend the events of October 7. Johnson also used the occasion to criticize pledges made by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to impose sanctions on individuals involved in violence in Gaza and to ban trade with Israeli settlements.
During his visit, Johnson remarked to the Daily Mail that those who committed the massacres were driven by a "nihilistic ideology" that opposes gender equality and the idea of people enjoying themselves at music festivals. He questioned how people could support such an ideology, particularly criticizing British students and academics for their stance against Israel.
Johnson argued that Hamas's atrocities were intended to provoke a violent response, thereby enhancing their narrative of martyrdom. He specifically addressed pro-Palestinian demonstrations, where chants like "from the river to the sea" are heard. He contrasted these protests with the evening activities of some students, suggesting they engage in behaviors, such as going to discos and expressing themselves freely, that are deemed repulsive by Hamas.
The exhibition, which has toured globally, aims to commemorate the victims of the Nova Festival attack. Among the displays are burnt-out cars, toilet cubicles damaged by gunfire, and personal belongings such as shoes and camping gear left behind by those who fled or perished. Rows of discarded shoes are displayed alongside photographs of the victims, evoking scenes reminiscent of Auschwitz.
More than 40,000 people have visited the Nova Exhibition, including prominent political figures. The October 7 attacks resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of 251 hostages. According to the Gaza health ministry, Israeli actions since then have led to the deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians, with half being women and children.
Johnson also characterized anti-Semitism as a "virus" that has become openly apparent. Other notable visitors to the exhibition included singer Boy George and actor Martin Freeman.