Communities Reflect on Year Since Hamas Attacks

As the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks approaches, communities in southern Israel, particularly Matzuva, Kibbutz Be’eri, and Nir Oz, remain deeply affected by the violence. Residents like Ishay Efroni describe Matzuva as a 'ghost town', with families fleeing due to ongoing security threats from Hezbollah. Kibbutz Be’eri, where 95 people were killed and 30 taken hostage, held a memorial rally demanding the return of the captives, with many still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, Kibbutz Nir Oz, devastated by a brutal assault resulting in over 100 casualties, remains in ruins, with survivors evacuated to temporary housing. Despite the devastation, a grassroots movement is emerging to revitalize some communities, with young Israelis beginning to return to Kibbutz Mefalsim and Kibbutz Re'im. The ongoing conflict continues to overshadow these efforts, highlighting the lasting trauma and challenges faced by these communities.