Life in Kibbutz Nirim Changes Forever for Three Teens
Three high school students from Kibbutz Nirim, Israel, recounted their shocking experiences during a visit to a Munich secondary school. On October 7, Ella (17), Idan (15), and Ori (15) found themselves in the midst of Hamas terror, just 1.7 kilometers from the border with Gaza.
Ori described rousing from bed at 6:30 am due to a rocket alarm. Unalarmed at first, the family took cover in the shelter. Relaxed, Ori left her phone behind, seeing it as an ordinary occurrence. The peaceful morning was shattered as hordes of rockets rained down, with terrorists lurking among the kibbutz's residents.
Meanwhile, Ella's shelter was under attack, and the terrorists attempted to breach its walls. Thanks to quick thinking, the residents managed to secure the shelter from the inside. Tracing their steps, Idan had to escape the kibbutz, narrowly avoiding a car full of terrorists and noticing a fallen terrorist by a motorcycle. Bullets echoed in the air as he continued to evade danger.
After a twelve-hour ordeal, the Israeli military arrived to extract the terrified residents and lead them to a temporary haven in Eilat. Their cars lay destroyed, and the family was forced to travel by bus. A hotel in Eilat became their makeshift home as victims of an assault within their own borders.
Rumors of returning to Kibbutz Nirim floated about, with the optimistic view that residents could return by the end of July. The fate of the kibbutz may hinge on the control of Gaza.
German students grappled with the reality of the Israeli students' experiences, a stark contrast to the distant reports seen on news broadcasts. "I didn't believe it at first," said Sonja, a high school student. "It was shocking."
Background:
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a hostile takeover of Nir Oz kibbutz, resulting in the death of 46 residents, including an Israeli-American family, and the kidnapping of several others. While some hostages were later released, some were reported dead in captivity. The attack was part of Hamas' larger initiative to invade Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Despite the devastation, residents have commenced rebuilding efforts. Numerous homes are under repair, and the community quests to restore its spirit. The trauma left deep emotional scars, particularly among children.
The Israeli students, while not official refugees, exist as refugees within their own borders, forced to seek refuge and rebuild. They face significant challenges in mental health support and healing efforts.
