Keeping Lawns Neat in Front of Burned Homes - A Year On at Kibbutz Where Hamas Killed 101
A year has passed since Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on a small kibbutz near the Gaza Strip, killing 101 residents in one of the deadliest assaults in the area’s history. The community, once known for its peaceful and close-knit lifestyle, now stands as a somber reminder of the violence, with many homes still bearing the scars of the attack.
Despite the devastating losses, survivors and the families of those who perished have made a conscious effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy. The sight of neatly trimmed lawns in front of burned-out homes symbolizes both resilience and remembrance. In the aftermath of the attack, community members have continued to gather for weekly meetings, share stories, and support one another as they rebuild their lives.
1. Remembering the Day of the Attack
The attack occurred during a quiet afternoon, when militants from Hamas infiltrated the kibbutz, opening fire on unsuspecting residents. The raid left 101 people dead, many of them women and children, and destroyed several homes and facilities in the kibbutz. Israeli defense forces responded quickly, but the shock and horror of the massacre left an indelible mark on the community.
2. A Community Rebuilds
In the months that followed the tragedy, survivors have faced the immense challenge of rebuilding both their homes and their lives. While many structures remain unrepaired, community members have focused on the small, everyday tasks—like keeping the lawns neat—as a way to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
For residents, tending to their lawns is more than just maintenance. It has become a symbolic act of defiance against the violence that tried to destroy their way of life. “Every blade of grass that’s cut is a message that we’re still here,” says one of the surviving members of the kibbutz.
3. Memorializing the Victims
Throughout the kibbutz, memorials have been erected in honor of the victims of the attack. Residents come together for annual remembrance ceremonies, where they reflect on the lives lost and the importance of community. For the families of the deceased, these gatherings are a way to keep their loved ones’ memories alive.
Several homes that were destroyed remain untouched as a reminder of the brutality that occurred. Residents often visit these sites, leaving flowers and candles in memory of the lives taken.
4. The Ongoing Threat and Hope for Peace
Living near the Gaza border means the kibbutz is in a region prone to conflict, and the fear of future attacks is ever-present. However, despite the ongoing threat, the people of the kibbutz remain committed to living peacefully and holding on to hope for a better future.
Conclusion: A Year of Resilience
As the anniversary of the attack approaches, the kibbutz stands as a testament to human resilience. The neatly kept lawns, even in front of burned homes, show that, despite immense loss and tragedy, the will to continue life and preserve the community remains strong. In the face of violence, they maintain their hope for peace, strength, and unity.