Gaza border communities

Human bones discovered in Kibbutz Kfar Aza neighborhood devastated in October 7 massacre

The report noted that Nirel Zini, who was murdered during the attack, was decapitated by terrorists, and his head has not been found to this day.

 Israeli soldiers and journalists walk around the destruction caused by Hamas in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, November 2, 2023
EHUD DRIBBEN, co-founder of Magen 48, discusses the work his organization does to train Israeli communities to confront threats.

Community security: Nir Oz volunteers train to defend Israel's frontlines after Oct. 7

The aftermath of Hamas's terror attack on a residence in Kibbutz Holit during the October 7 massacre, pictured October 26, 2023.

IDF probe: Infiltrating Hamas terrorists devastated Kibbutz Holit on October 7

Argentinian President Javier Milei and Israeli President Isaac Herzog tour in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, February 8, 2024.

President Herzog to award Argentina's Javier Milei with Presidential Medal of Honor


Communities in Israel’s south balance regeneration and preservation a year after Oct. 7

Fourteen months after October 7, Israel's southern communities struggle to balance rebuilding with preserving memories as tourists visit attack sites while residents return home.

 Protesters in Sderot gather for the 'Gaza March,' May 14, 2024

Hundreds of IDF reservists plan to move to border towns they once defended

The organization is coordinating groups it anticipates will move to the Gaza border region, the Jordan Valley, the Galilee, and parts of the Negev.

 Major (res.) Gilad Ach, Founder and CEO of "The Israeli Reservists- Generation of Victory" (right) and Major (res.) Michael Lobovikov, USSR Refusnik and Co- Founder of "The Israeli Reservists- Generation of Victory.

Thousands of evacuated Israelis vote in postponed local elections

Local elections postponed since October were held Tuesday in five southern Israeli communities near Gaza, with special polling arrangements for evacuees and soldiers.

 A man casts his vote in the Israeli general elections, at a polling station in Jerusalem, on November 1, 2022.

Houthis claim attack on Tel Aviv area after IAF intercepts drone from the east

Residents in the Gaza Envelope claimed to have spotted an aircraft cruising at low altitude on its way to the center.

 Report of a drone falling on a tree.

Gaza border communities call for increased compensation for Oct. 7 victims

The Knesset's Labor and Welfare Committee is set to meet soon to approve a government proposal for compensation for residents of the Gaza border communities.

 A view shows the remains of a burnt home with its bullet-riddled exterior, following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel October 21, 2023.

Bringing hope to Gaza border communities: First cohort of Kolot's 'Restart' program graduates

This marks the launch of various ventures, including a festival project, a therapeutic space with therapy animals, and a holistic health program for women. 

 The first cohort of Restart, including 15 residents of the Gaza border communities, graduated recently in Sderot.

Unity in Netivot: Spending Simchat Torah with evacuees - opinion

After a moving Simchat Torah, all the political talk of unity we hear cannot come close to the true unifier for the Jewish people: our Torah heritage.

 Israeli rescue and recovery unit search damaged cars for human remains and other evidence, following the October 7 attack by Hamas from the Gaza Strip, on a field near Netivot in southern Israel, November 1, 2023

Gaza border residents one year later: 52% unsatisfied with gov't, 70% unsure about returning

However, trust in local leadership was high, with 95% expressing that they trust the leadership of their towns.

 RUBBLE IN Kibbutz Kfar Aza following the October 7 attack: The terrorists hoped to spark a wider insurrection, and just as in extreme cults, they were instructed to fight to the death, say the writers.

'The hole in our souls deepens everyday,' says sister of hostage Yarden Bibas

Over the past year, the return of the hostages, once a national consensus and top priority, now seems weighed against the security of the state and its citizens.

 Yarden and Ariel Bibas, who are both still in Hamas captivity

Returning home: How are Gaza border area residents rebuilding on the ashes of the past?

A year after October 7, some residents of the Gaza border area have returned to rebuild their lives on the ashes of the past, while others still long to return home.

 Rita Lifshitz at her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz.