In Kibbutz Be’eri, the once-thriving community is now shrouded in silence, interrupted only by distant air strikes. One year after a tragic attack that claimed 101 lives, the remnants of the vibrant neighborhood stand in stark contrast to the destruction surrounding it.
The horrifying events of that fateful day involved gunmen from Hamas attacking residents, claiming lives and taking hostages. While some survivors have returned to work, many still find it impossible to spend the night in their traumatized community or have relocated to temporary prefabricated homes miles away.
The kibbutz, a symbol of communal living and solidarity for nearly 80 years, now faces an uncertain future as its members grapple with profound loss and the psychological scars of violence.
Dafna Gerstner, a childhood resident, reflects on the ubiquity of loss within the community. “Everywhere you look, there are reminders of friends and loved ones who perished,” she shares, emphasizing the pervasive grief that has taken hold since the attacks.
The collective spirit of the kibbutz has been shattered, as nearly 10% of its residents were killed. Remaining members navigate daily life, confronted by the scars of violence in every corner of Be’eri.
Many buildings display signs of past horrors, with military markings warning of where death or abduction occurred. Empty playgrounds reflect the absence of children, and the unnerving remnants of a normal life lay abandoned, echoing the abrupt end to tranquility.
“We can’t erase the trauma,” says Dafna. “Each time we sift through the ashes of what was, we confront our deepest fears.”
In a surprising turn, scheduled tours of the kibbutz have emerged as a way for the community to share its story and preserve the memory of those lost. Volunteer leaders guide visitors through the desolate streets, narrating their experiences, although some locals express reluctance about the influx of outsiders.
Simon King, one of the volunteers, emphasizes the need to remember. “If we don’t tell our story, how will future generations understand?” he asserts, advocating for a commitment to reclaiming their narrative amidst the devastation.
Despite the ongoing heartache, Simon and Rami Gold, another local, maintain a flicker of hope. They continue to tend to the kibbutz’s gardens and repair what they can, convinced that rebuilding symbolizes a step towards recovery.
Established in 1946, Be’eri was a bastion of shared ideals and aspirations. But the aftermath of the attacks has led to a shift in sentiments, complicating relationships and altering perceptions of peace among its inhabitants.
As they try to navigate this new reality, residents express a shattered trust in the safety previously provided by Israeli defenses. “We feel less secure, and the trauma will forever linger,” Shir Guttentag, another resident, shares, highlighting the psychological aftershocks that continue to resonate throughout the community.
As rebuilding efforts commence, the residents of Be’eri cling to unity and each other, determined to heal despite the profound sorrow that now defines their lives.
