Nearly two years after the October 7 massacre, in which one in every four residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz was either murdered or taken hostage, the community, where security forces failed to arrive for many hours, is taking a significant step forward with the construction of a new neighborhood.
The new development, to be named Shchunat HaHalutz (“Pioneers’ Neighborhood”), is the first to be built in the kibbutz since the attack by Hamas terrorists.
It will house residents who have chosen to return despite the kibbutz not yet being fully rehabilitated and lacking essential services.
Approximately 30 homes are planned for the neighborhood, which will be made up of kibbutz members who cannot return to their original houses, many of which were destroyed by fires and other damage on October 7.
The new neighborhood will include both renovated homes and newly constructed units. A cornerstone-laying ceremony is scheduled to take place next week.
In addition, around 50 alumni of the Hashomer Hatzair youth movement, who are involved in educational work, are expected to relocate to Nir Oz, which is affiliated with the movement. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Gaza border communities.
Pre-military academy expected to operate in the kibbutz
Another project gaining traction is the planned opening of a new pre-military academy, Bema’aleh Haderech, which is expected to operate within the kibbutz. Dozens of male and female students will participate in the kibbutz’s rehabilitation and revival.
The academy is being established by two IDF officers: one who fought along the Gaza border on October 7, and the other, an educator, entrepreneur, and commander in an elite IDF unit.
The kibbutz is also working on an additional initiative to bring in released combat soldiers who will contribute to the physical and communal rebuilding efforts.