Sports Programs Aid Recovery in Gaza Envelope Communities Post-Oct. 7

Communities in Israel's Gaza Envelope region are striving to rebuild and heal in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, with sports programs playing a crucial role in this recovery. Three years after the devastation, residents are working to overcome loss and trauma.

Eyal Tzidon, whose father Avi Tzidon was killed in the war, plays for the Hapoel Eshkol basketball team. He described the difficulty of returning to routine, stating, "It took me time to recover, those were the days I cried the most in my life." He found solace in basketball, which helped him cope with his grief and avoid dwelling on the ongoing situation.

Fifteen-year-old gymnast Almah Kapah, whose family survived the massacre in Nahal Oz and was evacuated, continues her training despite the trauma. Her family relocated to Kiryat Tivon, but Kapah remains dedicated, with her father driving her three hours each way for practice three times a week. "Despite the difficult date, we are not stopping. We are doing this to reach the World Championships and be the best we can be," she said.

Dafna Siboni, manager of the Sports Department at Sha'ar HaNegev, emphasized the importance of sports for stability. She recalled the late Head of the Regional Council, Ofir Liebstein, who was murdered on October 7th, saying, "He always told us that if someone chose to live in the Gaza Envelope, we must enable them to live in the best place possible." Siboni added that sports provide children with stability and an anchor.

Naama Becher, whose son plays for Hapoel Eshkol, acknowledged the persistent emotional scars, noting, "There is a scar that is always there, and there are days when we feel it burning more."