Summary
The reconstruction of Be’eri Kibbutz, a community devastated by the October 7th attack, highlights the resilience of its residents as they attempt to rebuild their lives and homes after significant loss. Despite the trauma and ongoing conflict, efforts are underway to restore the kibbutz, with a focus on bringing back displaced residents and creating new living spaces.
Following the attack, which resulted in over a hundred deaths and numerous captives, Be’eri has faced immense challenges. Approximately two hundred of the original eleven hundred residents have returned, while many others remain displaced, living in temporary accommodations. The community’s leadership is actively advocating for a return to normalcy, aiming for a substantial percentage of residents to come back by the end of 2026. Reconstruction efforts include plans for new housing developments, but the emotional scars from the violence linger. The cemetery has become a poignant symbol of the community’s losses, as many families have buried loved ones on site, underscoring the profound grief that accompanies the rebuilding process.
Community Resilience
Residents like Nira Herman Sharabi exemplify the struggle to find a sense of normalcy amidst ongoing grief. Nira’s husband, Yossi, was taken captive during the attack and later killed, leaving her to navigate the challenges of raising their daughters alone while coping with her loss. The community’s collective mourning is palpable, with frequent funerals and reburials serving as reminders of the tragedy.
Ongoing Conflict
The backdrop of continued military action complicates the reconstruction efforts. As the Israeli military engages in operations against Hamas, the conflict remains unresolved, and fears persist regarding safety and stability in the region. Many residents express a desire for the return of hostages and a resolution to the violence before fully committing to the reconstruction of their homes.
Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, leaders like Gal Cohen are determined to revitalize Be’eri. Plans for new neighborhoods and infrastructure aim to foster a sense of community and belonging, even as the psychological impact of the attack continues to affect residents. The community’s commitment to rebuilding is a testament to their resilience, with hopes that a return to Be’eri will eventually bring healing and renewal.
A Year After October 7th, a Kibbutz Survives
Oct. 6 / The New Yorker / Captures the haunting resilience of Be’eri’s residents post-attack, weaving personal narratives with broader societal impacts, creating an emotionally charged and deeply human portrayal of grief and rebuilding. “ On a recent afternoon in Be’eri, a kibbutz in southern Israel, near the Gaza border, I asked Nira Herman Sharabi, a resident, how it felt to be back. She...