Kfar Aza Residents Begin Slow Return Amid Trauma and Uncertainty
Nearly three years after the October 7th massacre, residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza are beginning a gradual and emotional return to their homes. The process is described as slow and cautious, with families returning one by one to a place forever changed by the Hamas attack. Many residents are still undecided about returning, and some will not come back.
As of September 1st, children's voices have returned to the kibbutz, with kindergartens reopening and plans for a clinic and resilience center underway. A pre-military academy is already active, and construction is visible throughout the community. After an extended evacuation period, primarily in Kibbutz Shapim and Ruhama, the official return began last month. Approximately 50 out of 300 pre-war households have returned, with a few more joining each week. The community hopes for a faster pace after the upcoming holidays.
However, the path forward remains challenging. An estimated 30% to 40% of families are still contemplating a return, while 10% to 15% have stated they will not return and are seeking alternatives. Kibbutz leadership estimates that around 70% of residents might return by the end of 2027, a goal contingent on the security situation. "The return process is complex. It's based on fears, trauma, and a lack of trust. We are rebuilding the kibbutz and trust," said Sigal Moran, the kibbutz chairwoman.
The shadow of October 7th looms large. The "Young Generation" neighborhood, a symbol of the attack where many were killed or abducted, is a focal point of debate. The kibbutz decided to dismantle the neighborhood and relocate some structures to a memorial site, a decision challenged by bereaved families in the Supreme Court. Until the court rules, the neighborhood's entrance will be moved outside the kibbutz, and a fence will obscure it from view.
Personal stories highlight the deep impact of the attack and the resilience of the residents. Vicky and Nadav Tzenzifer, who moved to Kfar Aza in 2022, experienced the massacre in their safe room and endured a lengthy displacement before returning. They emphasize the importance of community and the desire to escape the feeling of "temporariness." Einat Hamias Bons, a special education teacher, returned to manage the kibbutz kindergarten, seeing the children as the foundation for the kibbutz's revival. Sharona Kessler and Alon, who returned in October 2023, are actively involved in the kibbutz's rehabilitation and infrastructure projects, viewing their return as a commitment to rebuilding.
Despite the visible signs of life, including construction and reopened facilities, the sense of unease persists. Recent kite incidents from Gaza have heightened anxieties, and the community is working to rebuild its emergency response systems. The ultimate return of residents is heavily dependent on the security situation in Gaza and a broader sense of peace.
