Kibbutz Barry Resident Returns Home Despite Rocket Threat
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
A resident of Kibbutz Barry is returning to the community that suffered heavy losses on October 7th, despite the ongoing threat of rocket attacks. The patisserie owner, who gained recognition for his products while temporarily in Tel Aviv, is committed to rebuilding his life and business in Barry. He acknowledges the risks but feels it is his home and focuses on creating optimism for his children's future. The kibbutz is developing tourism and local businesses to aid in its recovery.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A Kibbutz Barry resident is returning home despite the known risk of future rocket attacks.
- The resident gained recognition for his patisserie products while temporarily based in Tel Aviv.
- 102 members of Kibbutz Barry were killed or taken hostage during the October 7th massacre.
- The kibbutz is developing a tourism center and local businesses to support its recovery.
- The resident is focused on creating optimism and strength for his children's future.
A resident of Kibbutz Barry, who left the community after the October 7th massacre, is determined to return home despite the ongoing threat of rockets. The resident, who runs the "Lalush" patisserie, described the emotional and practical challenges of rebuilding life in the kibbutz, which lost 102 members in the attack. He explained that staying busy is his coping mechanism, allowing him to avoid dwelling on the trauma. The path back to Barry is not simple, involving security checks and navigating the damaged infrastructure.
Despite the difficulties, there is a sense of optimism. A tourism center is planned for the kibbutz entrance, which will feature local products, including those from the dairy and winery, as well as beers and whiskeys. A bicycle shop and a stall selling Barry's produce are already operational. The resident expressed gratitude for the support received in Tel Aviv, where he collaborated with the "Lachem" chain, developing new products like spanakopita and strudel, which significantly boosted his business.
He acknowledged survivor's guilt but stated that therapy and continued work are helping him cope. The family has received the keys to their new home, which they plan to move into within a year, alongside other returning residents. While initially in shock and unsure about returning, the family is now committed to rebuilding their lives in Barry, seeing it as their only home.
He acknowledged the realistic possibility of future rocket attacks, stating, "I'm not telling myself stories, nor my children. I know it's a matter of time." However, he believes that while attacks may occur, they won't be at the same scale as before, and he feels safer in Barry than anywhere else, having raised his children amidst similar threats. He is focused on creating optimism and strength for himself and his children, rather than dwelling on the past.
The "Lalush" patisserie, established in 2008, is a branch of the kibbutz and currently employs four staff members. The resident is also seeking investors and has expanded into hosting corporate events. The patisserie offers a variety of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and vegan crackers. Plans are underway to expand tourism offerings, including guided tours, wine tastings, baking workshops, and carpentry classes, honoring those lost on October 7th.