Gaza Border Communities Shift From Recovery to Growth
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
The "Home" Forum, representing 14 communities devastated by the October 7 attack, is transitioning from emergency recovery to long-term development and growth. Led by Ziv Mazliach, the forum is establishing an economic corporation for business opportunities and new projects like hotels and senior housing. While recovery efforts continue, including addressing psychological trauma and damaged homes, a key concern is the potential loss of state support when the "Tkuma" Administration's mandate expires in 2029. Despite managing over 2 billion shekels in annual business, residents' sense of security remains fragile.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gaza border communities are shifting focus from recovery to long-term growth and development.
- The "Home" Forum represents 14 communities impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack.
- A new economic corporation, "Taagid HaBayit," is being established to consolidate business opportunities.
- Government estimates place damage to border communities at over 5.3 billion shekels.
- Concerns exist about the expiration of the "Tkuma" Administration's mandate in January 2029.
- The 14 communities manage a combined annual business volume exceeding 2 billion shekels.
The "Home" Forum, representing 14 communities severely impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack, is moving beyond emergency recovery to focus on long-term development, according to its chairman, Ziv Mazliach of Kfar Aza. Mazliach acknowledged that while recovery efforts have progressed beyond immediate aid, the daily reality of the trauma remains, citing a recent funeral for a woman whose remains were moved to her kibbutz after initial temporary burial. The return of residents is central to rebuilding in the Gaza border region, with every housing repair budget tied to families deciding whether they can live there again.
In its first year, the "Home" Forum concentrated on housing evacuees, logistics, compensation, and infrastructure, also addressing the issue of "desecrated homes", buildings intact but psychologically unbearable for families. A significant struggle involved securing a 75 million shekel program for "red" settlements, where homes were destroyed, to support evacuees.
The forum is now establishing a new economic corporation, "Taagid HaBayit," to consolidate kibbutz business opportunities and four regional councils. Initial projects include a hotel and a senior living complex. The model involves regional councils providing land and permits, securing state and charitable aid, and partnering with private businesses for dividends, rather than just municipal taxes.
Government estimates place the damage to border communities at over 5.3 billion shekels, excluding psychological support. Specific communities like Be'eri, Nir Oz, and Kfar Aza face approximately 1 billion shekels in damages. A major concern is the expiration of the "Tkuma" Administration's mandate on January 1, 2029, which oversees recovery efforts, potentially leading to the loss of vital support systems.
Mazliach conceded that not all residents are willing or able to return, and the state should support those choosing to relocate. Currently, the 14 communities in the forum manage a combined annual business volume exceeding 2 billion shekels, yet a sense of security remains elusive, with residents having returned "to decide whether they will stay."
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