Published by: ICEJ | Written by: Nicole Yoder (ICEJ Aid and Aliyah Preident)
Rebuild of Kibbutz Be'eri Underway After Mass Destruction
The devastating effects of the massacre in Kibbutz Be’eri are graphically imprinted on the minds and hearts of all who have visited or seen the footage. It is the stuff of nightmares.
Vice President of Aid and Aliyah, Nicole Yoder, took part in the cornerstone ceremony, which was part of the healing process for this community which suffered 101 deaths and the destruction of 150 buildings. The resilience of this community, the desire to rebuild and the first steps in this process, are all causes for celebration, but behind the smiles, the sadness cannot be ignored.
A Resident’s Heartbreak Shared
These are “very difficult feelings but on the other hand, my home was burned down, so I don’t have anywhere to go back to. There’s no choice but to rebuild and move forward”, resident Miri Gad Mesika told Channel 12, who were covering the event.
Another resident, Ruth, articulated the stark reality these residents face. “The guns are still firing, and we are still refugees in our own country. In these circumstances, it’s not simple to think about returning home – especially when we still have hostages whose fate we don’t yet know.” Her words resonate deeply, reflecting the difficult decisions faced by many residents who yearn for peace, even as they grieve.
Markers Of Resilience
The heart of Kibbutz Be’eri was a thriving printing press which employed 400 people. Within a week of the massacre, the leaders reopened the printing house. This not only helped people return to work but also breathed life back into essential services within the kibbutz and set the stage for a wider community revival. The kitchen and laundry then resumed operations, setting in motion hope for the future of this flourishing community.
“I’m full of pride and sadness”, said Eshkol Mayor, Gadi Yarkoni. In thanking all who shared this special ceremony, he continued “You are a symbol – You did the impossible from such a low place. You’ve been able to reignite hope. We get the desire to go on – to be here together to develop the region for our children.”
Moshe Edry, Head of Takuma, the government relief response for communities affected by the war shared: “We carry a message of rebirth {t’kuma] and rehabilitation. Despite the massacre, you can grow again. This is part of the victory – you are continuing on!” He reflected on how thankful he was to partner in this inspiring renewal.
Finding Hope And Restoring The Spirit Of Community
At the time of the cornerstone laying, some 100 residents had returned to the Kibbutz. Evacuated families, who have spent months in hotels at the Dead Sea, are to be moved into 306 temporary homes at Kibbutz Chatzerim, while they await restoration of their permanent homes.
This is no easy task. As well as a roof over their heads, they need education centers, replacement household items and ongoing trauma care. All this while being aware of ongoing hostilities.
Celebrating milestones, like the cornerstone laying ceremony, are powerful symbols of hope, unity and unwavering spirit of a community determined to rebuild and thrive again against all odds.
ICEJ’s Nicole Yoder described her experience that day: “I was so so touched by all I saw and heard from the people that day. It was a tremendous honour to be a part of this historic and special occasion. I found it so inspiring to see these people ‘choose life’ and look towards the future even though this “event” is not yet over for them and the grief and pain over the unknown fate of loved ones remains.
One thing is sure, we at the ICEJ will continue to stand with Be’eri and other communities of the Western Negev as they rebuild their lives.”
