New Sites and Businesses Honor Victims of October 7th

In the wake of the October 7th attacks, Israel has seen a proliferation of official memorials. However, alongside these, individuals are creating new ventures and sites to commemorate the victims, inspired by the places and activities the fallen cherished. These initiatives aim to keep memories alive while also embracing the continuation of life.

In Kibbutz Re'im, Amit Cafe, a coffee cart named after Amit Gabai, serves as a tribute to his love for friends, nature, and coffee. Amit, who was 17 when he moved to the kibbutz, was murdered there on October 7th. His mother, Adi, established the cafe with a friend, Kobi, choosing a location where people can gather, eat, and spend time together, reflecting Amit's own preferences.

Nir Oz, a kibbutz in the Gaza envelope, is home to Pauker Winery, established in 2006 by Gideon Pauker and fellow kibbutz members. Gideon, a founding member and devoted to agriculture and public service, nurtured a passion for wine. He was murdered on October 7th, and his family returned to the vineyard after the tragedy to salvage it. The winery, now bearing his name, symbolizes the fusion of daily labor with remembrance, offering wine tastings and light refreshments with views of the kibbutz fields.

In the town of Lapid, a walking path overlooking the surrounding hills is named in memory of Gili Ader, who was murdered at the Nova music festival. Gili, 24 at the time of her death, was a beloved figure who connected different circles of people. A monument at the entrance tells her story, and the path itself invites visitors to take a walk, an activity she enjoyed.

An art installation called "Bibas Footprints" has been created in a grove outside Kibbutz Sa'alim, in memory of Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir. The Bibas family was kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz on October 7th and tragically killed in captivity. The installation, designed by architect Zvi Pastrank, features hand and foot imprints in concrete on a circular plaza, serving as a poignant reminder of life's movement in a place where it was tragically halted.

Near the community of Kedem Arava in the northern Dead Sea region, a lookout point named "Natanel's Watch" has been established in memory of Captain (res.) Natanel Silberg. His friends and family erected the site in a location that resonated with his love for nature, open spaces, and tranquility. The viewpoint offers vistas of the Jordan River and the surrounding mountains. Natanel, a team commander in the Yehida Le'Mitarim (Yahalom), fell in battle in Shuja'iyya on December 18, 2023, at the age of 33. His comrades remember him as a modest, quietly leading, and professional individual. Nearby, Midbara Khan offers glamping and caravan accommodations for those wishing to extend their stay and enjoy the desert landscape.