"Be'eri's Heart-Wrenching Tale"
Welcome to a place of unimaginable tragedy. Be'eri, a serene kibbutz, transformed into a scene of terror on October 7, 2023. Over 1300 peace-loving individuals, including children and women, called this place home.
Then the unthinkable happened. In the wee hours of the morning, the peaceful sanctuary was shattered. Hundreds of terrorists stormed into the once tranquil kibbutz, leaving behind a trail of destruction, 130+ bodies, and over 50 captives.
Fighting Terror with Fire and Brimstone
Terrorists turned homes into infernos, firing machine guns and spray-painting walls with triumphant messages. The defenses, designed to protect against rocket attacks, were no match for these assaults.
One heart-wrenching story is that of Paul Kipris, a 65-year-old man, and his wife, Evyatar, a retired social worker, both shot dead while seeking shelter. Their home, stained with blood, served as a gruesome testament to the terror that unfolded.
A President's Visit
Germany's Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, paid a visit to the desolate terrain on October 9, 2023. Together with his Israeli counterpart, Yitzchak Herzog, they stood in silence, staring at the devastation that had befallen Be'eri.
Among the many tragic victims was Vivian Silver, a peace activist who dedicated her life to peaceful coexistence with Palestinians. The woman whose remains were almost entirely consumed by the flames was identified four weeks later.
Rebuilding Hope
Despite the ongoing challenges, the indomitable spirit of the Israeli people remains unfaltering. With Germany pledging 7 million euros in funding, the Kipris' home – and a beacon of hope – is set to rise from the ashes.
Ziva Jelin, a 61-year-old painter from Be'eri, is hopeful of returning to her home, despite the loss she has endured. Sofie Berzan Mackie, the gallery director, is also considering a return, once it's safe to do so.
The Shadows of War
As long as Hamas, the perpetrator of this insidious act, remains active in the Gaza Strip, a life of peace and tranquility in Be'eri seems an impossible dream.
Today, survivors of the attack live in a hotel by the Dead Sea, but they dream of returning, rebuilding, and painting a new chapter in the annals of Be'eri's expanding history.
Enrichment Data
- Be'eri was founded in 1950 and was an attractive community due to its printing press, which supplied to major Israeli companies. It has faced security challenges in the past, notably during the 1948 War of Independence, but was unaffected directly.
- The attack on October 7, 2023, was the most tragic event that occurred in Be'eri's history, with 130+ deaths and approximately 70 militants going house to house, shooting or capturing residents. Many of these hostages are still missing.
- The community has been resettled, with 70% moving to Kibbutz Hatzerim, 10% returning to Be'eri, and the rest dispersing elsewhere. The kibbutz is currently undergoing rebuilding, although some residents are unsure whether to keep the houses as a memorial or clear them out due to the trauma.
- Israelis are facing ongoing challenges, including the hostage crisis and security concerns. These challenges constrain daily activities, such as cycling at La Medavesh, because the area remains a military zone.
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