Kibbutz Nir Oz Votes to Rebuild 400 days after October 7 Massacre

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 | After more than 400 days since the Hamas massacre on October 7 last year, residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz voted to rebuild their community.

"Out of the unimaginable pain of what we have gone through and are still going through, and while calling on the government to immediately return all the hostages as a necessary and basic condition for our revival," they wrote in a document published on Monday.

Nir Oz members said that victory for them means the return of the hostages and the reconstruction of the kibbutz [collective community].

"It is clear to us that the only victory alongside the return of our loved ones is the re-establishment of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Stronger, better and bigger. The members of Nir Oz decided: Kibbutz Nir Oz will be rebuilt," the announcement said.

They said that, in rebuilding, Israel's resilience and ability to rise again will be tested. "Therefore, the government must ensure a complete and optimal construction of the kibbutz, while showing generosity and a sincere desire to bring about the revival of Nir Oz. Along with the re-establishment, it is our duty to preserve the memory and heritage, and to perpetuate the stories of heroism in Kibbutz Nir Oz to ensure the memory of the place and its people for generations."

The members said that there may be those who would not be able to return because of their personal loss and trauma. "These people are our people and are an essential part of the community. We demand that the government find solutions for those who cannot return while rebuilding the community. Our door will remain open for them to return to Nir Oz in the future if they wish. We are committed to the struggle for the liberation of our friends, along with the duty to return home and start over."