After more than two years of conflict, a significant shift is occurring along Israel’s Gaza border as some residents embrace a return to life in kibbutzim, while others remain hesitant. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 250 individuals, the landscape of these communities has profoundly changed.
Aya Shahar, a 29-year-old from Tel Aviv, is among the nearly 2,500 individuals who have relocated to kibbutzim near the Gaza border since the escalation of violence. Shahar, who previously had no intention of leaving her urban life, felt compelled to assist in the recovery of communities devastated by the attacks. She stated, “What happened there made me understand that I have no way of living my life without connecting it to what is going on here.”
The kibbutzim, which are collective agricultural communities founded on socialist ideals, have long been integral to Israel’s cultural identity. The Tekuma Administration, the government agency overseeing community rehabilitation, reports a gradual return of approximately 62,000 residents to the area after it was designated a closed military zone during the conflict.
Reviving Peace Efforts Amid Tensions
Shahar has joined a group of activists aiming to revive the peace movement in Israel, specifically through the Hashomer Hatzair movement, which originated in Eastern Europe prior to World War I. The group promotes a vision of coexistence and has seen about 100 members settle in kibbutzim near the border. Spokesperson Yarden Machol emphasized the need for peace, stating, “We need to do a peace agreement. It would be the best thing ever.”
Despite this initiative, public sentiment toward peace with Palestinians has become increasingly complex. A Peace Index survey from Tel Aviv University published in March revealed that only 20% of Israeli Jews support the creation of an independent Palestinian state, while 92% believe that ongoing conflict is detrimental to the country. Additionally, 66% of Israelis feel that it is time to end the hostilities in Gaza, according to the Israel Democracy Institute.
The shrinking peace movement faces skepticism and, at times, ridicule. Shahar recalls being questioned about her commitment to safety when advocating for peace. Similarly, Avshalom Zohar Sal, who moved to Kibbutz Nir Oz in August, echoed the struggle to envision a peaceful future after experiencing the violence of October 7.
The Reluctance to Return
Despite the influx of new residents, some who endured the trauma of the attacks remain reluctant to return. Yaron Maor, a 41-year-old who lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the assault, described harrowing moments when he and his family hid from militants searching their home. “I had this very clear feeling – or an understanding – that I was going to die,” he recalled. Although he and his family escaped unharmed, the psychological scars remain. “We’re exhausted. We fought for every inch of survival,” Maor stated, explaining his decision to stay away from the kibbutz.
Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit areas, with 93 homes destroyed and 47 residents killed during the attack. Neri Shotan, CEO of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund, confirmed the extensive damage and ongoing recovery efforts in the region.
Even those who have returned to the Gaza border express lingering fears. Michal Rahav, one of the first residents to come back to Kibbutz Nirim, initially vowed never to return but later felt a strong attachment to her home. “If they launch an attack on us, there’s a price to pay,” she asserted, reflecting a defiant spirit.
As a ceasefire remains in effect, Rahav admits that the current quiet is unsettling. “Now that there’s a ceasefire and everything is quiet, I don’t know what the other side is up to,” she said.
For Shahar, the path to safety lies in genuine peace with the Palestinians. “I want to make it a good place to live in,” she expressed, emphasizing the need for a future free from fear.
The evolving dynamics at the Gaza border illustrate a profound struggle between the desire for normalcy and the haunting memories of violence, as residents navigate their hopes and fears in a region marked by conflict.
