Paradise. That's how so many people have described what it was like living on Kibbutz Be'eri. That paradise was shattered in unimaginable ways on the 7th October last year when Hamas monsters invaded the serenity of a special Simchat Torah Shabbat morning and unleashed hell.
Paradise and communal joy made way for a terrifying nightmare resulting in communal grief and despair. There is no doubt that the road ahead is a long and painful one but it is a road that this kibbutz will travel and will conquer. Hamas sought to destroy this community on Oct 7th and committed countless unspeakable atrocities but having spent time with them there is one thing that I know for sure - this community chooses life, their spirits are strong and they will rebuild and grow.
Last week a special ceremony took place at Kibbutz Be’eri when the foundation stone of a new neighbourhood was laid. It really was a great honour to be invited to attend this ceremony with my family and to represent the charity in Jerusalem that we lead, Christian Friends of Israel.
During the ceremony the speeches were positive and uplifting and hearing Idan Raichel sing in such a setting was very moving…but looking into the eyes of some of the residents of Be'eri, including my friend who miraculously survived, and sensing their desire to live and love life in the same place that was filled with a murderous evil that I still cannot comprehend made a huge impact on me. I was reminded again why I love this nation and her people. They will heal, they will survive, they will rebuild, their kibbutz will blossom again and be a place of love and hope once more. Why? Because this nation and this people love life and choose life, every single time.
During my first visit to Be’eri earlier this year I was intensely affected by the visual residue of what actually occurred on Oct 7th. The destruction and devastation was too much to take in. I could sense the violence and murder. I could almost feel the venom and evil. The pain and trauma was, in some ways, tangible and a lingering despair dominated every inch of the place. It was palpable.
During my second visit to attend the ceremony something felt different. Yes, the pain and grief of those whose loved ones were murdered or whose loved ones are still held captive as hostages in Gaza remains etched in every face I looked into but that was not all I saw. I witnessed, in equal measure, a deep resolve and determination to overcome and to once again create a sanctuary for generations to come. What an inspiration they are.
I am immensely grateful that our charity has been able to play a small part in this process.
We have participated in meetings with the residents of Be’eri who are leading the design and build of the damaged areas of the Kibbutz. They are preparing the plans for new houses and communal areas, including educational facilities, a medical centre and a dental practice. Large areas were completely decimated and destroyed by Hamas on Oct 7th and need to be rebuilt and restored. We feel privileged to have been involved in these discussions and will do all we can to assist and support.
Further, we were able to give a significant donation that allowed for the purchase of large electrical appliances – washing machines, ovens and fridge freezers – to support 50 families. These appliances will go into the temporary accommodations being set up on the Kibbutz. Families who are still displaced in hotels will now be able to return home to Be’eri and live in these accommodations until their new homes are finished being built.
On a very personal note I was struck by something quite beautiful while we were at the ceremony last week. My husband and I were blessed with a baby boy three months ago. His name is Hosea and he is named after the Biblical prophet Hosea who spoke so tenderly to the people of Israel about G-d's love, healing and redemption. The ancient prophet's father's name was Be'eri and it was an incredible moment seeing our Hosea present at the ceremony and being a part of the redemption story of Kibbutz Be'eri - a story of hope and a future.
The residents of Kibbutz Be’eri remind me of Israel’s early pioneers who let nothing stop them from developing and nurturing the Land with resilience, conviction and hope. They let nothing stop them in their quest to dwell in their ancient homeland, to beautify it and to see it blossom. The people of Be’eri are the same. They love this Land and they love each other. Under their watch, and with G-d’s help, it will be a paradise once more.
Am Israel Chai!
Galya Hall
Director of Media and Public Relations, Christian Friends of Israel
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