Kibbutz Nir Oz struggles with recovery, majority of residents remain displaced

A significant majority of former residents have yet to return to Kibbutz Nir Oz, with many facing insurmountable trauma from the October 7 attacks, according to Tzvi Tessler, Chairman of Nir Oz. He expressed that recovery is proving to be a lengthy process, but emphasized the community's determination to rebuild and attract new families.

“

I didn't think it would take so much time to recover. We're not giving up. Kibbutz Nir Oz will prosper so that new families will come.

Tessler explained that the psychological impact of the "unbelievable hell" experienced on October 7 prevents many individuals from returning, regardless of the physical rebuilding efforts. "Maybe they want to, but they aren't capable of it," he stated, highlighting the deep-seated trauma that affects their ability to go back to the place where they endured such horrific events.

“

Maybe they want to, but they aren't capable of it. We have to accept this, and it has nothing to do with how quickly they build and how nicely they build and how green the grass will be. It's really about being able to go back to a place where you experienced an unbelievable hell.

Adding to the community's challenges, Tessler noted that security threats from Gaza continue to persist. He cautioned against viewing the current situation as quiet, pointing to the ongoing influx of kites launched from the Gaza Strip. "It's not safe enough, no matter what the kite carries on it," he said, emphasizing that the mere fact of kites crossing the border signifies a breach in security and a lack of protection for the settlements.

“

I think that anyone who treats the current situation as quiet is mistaken.

The chairman stressed the importance of securing the settlements, stating, "Settlement in the envelope protects the entire State of Israel." The continued threat, symbolized by the kites, underscores the fragile security situation in the region near the Israel-Gaza border.

“

It's not safe enough, no matter what the kite carries on it. It's the very fact that it's a passage, that the border is not closed and doesn't protect the settlements.