Kibbutz Be’eri Votes to Demolish Homes Damaged in October 7 Attack

Kibbutz Be’eri, located near the Gaza border, has voted to demolish nearly all homes in two neighborhoods severely damaged during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with the exception of one house that will be preserved as a memorial. The decision was made after extensive discussions within the community, resulting in a vote where 196 members supported the demolition plan while 146 opposed it. The neighborhoods affected are Kerem and Zayit, which experienced some of the heaviest destruction during the attack.

YnetNews

Ofer Gitai, the community director, emphasized that the decision aims to balance the need to move forward with the obligation to remember the past. He stated, “Between the desire to move forward and the obligation to leave testimony for future generations, we have chosen a path that allows for both.” The preserved house will serve as a "house of testimony," complemented by documents and visual materials curated through a program at the Yad Ben Zvi research institute. This initiative is intended to ensure that the community retains control over its narrative regarding the tragic events.

Times of Israel

The decision has sparked emotional debates among residents, with some arguing against demolishing the sites where their loved ones were killed. Others contend that rebuilding necessitates the complete removal of the damaged structures. Supporters of the demolition expressed a desire to heal and reclaim normalcy, with one stating, “We don’t want to live in Auschwitz. We need to heal and continue.” The kibbutz leadership acknowledged the emotional, ethical, and planning significance of this dilemma, highlighting the community's struggle to balance remembrance with the need for recovery.

YnetNews

This decision reflects a broader trend among communities in the Gaza border region, where residents are grappling with how to commemorate the October 7 attack. Many are faced with the challenge of honoring victims while avoiding the feeling of living in a perpetual memorial. Gitai noted that the kibbutz's approach is part of a larger memorial plan, asserting, “We are a community that chooses life. We rebuild, we remember, and we continue.”

YnetNews

The kibbutz's leadership has reiterated that the decision to demolish the buildings was reached after deep community dialogue. They aim to preserve the memory of the events while facilitating the community's recovery and renewal. Gitai stated that the preserved building will be a testament to the community's narrative, ensuring that the story of the October events is told from their perspective.

Times of Israel

While the kibbutz has outlined its plans, there are differing opinions among residents regarding the emotional impact of demolishing homes associated with personal loss. Some residents feel that preserving these sites is crucial for remembrance, while others prioritize the need to move forward. The community's internal divisions highlight the complexity of navigating grief and recovery in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

YnetNews

• “Between the desire to move forward and the obligation to leave testimony for future generations, we have chosen a path that allows for both.” — Ofer Gitai, Community Director

Times of Israel

• “We don’t want to live in Auschwitz. We need to heal and continue,” — Anonymous resident

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