New Bicycle Park Opens in Kibbutz Be'eri, Symbolizing Hope and Resilience

A new bicycle park was inaugurated in Kibbutz Be'eri on Tuesday, attended by hundreds of people including residents, youth from the Western Negev, and families of cyclists and triathletes killed in the October 7th attacks. The park, featuring an international-level pump track built by Swiss company Velosolutions, was established with a donation from Jewish businessman and philanthropist Sylvan Adams.

Avida Bachar, who lost his wife Dana and son Carmel in the October 7th massacre and was severely injured, losing his right leg, spoke at the ceremony about his personal recovery and the importance of rebuilding the community. "Rehabilitation for me means getting used to the new Avida, without a wife, without a son, and without a leg. Ultimately, you miss the human fabric that was here. Even if they are not here, this is still their home," Bachar said. He expressed his vision for Be'eri's future, stating, "I can already see the life that will be here: children running around, riding their bikes and also their skateboards. This is a significant part of Be'eri's revival and rehabilitation."

Bachar, one of the park's initiators, recalled that the idea arose from a conversation with Adams about rebuilding Be'eri and other Western Negev communities. Adams had pledged to rebuild the area "better, more beautiful, and stronger." Bachar expressed gratitude for seeing this vision realized.

The park is intended primarily for local children and youth for riding and guided training. Ayeh Midan, Bachar's sister and a kibbutz member, who survived an ambush on October 7th, described the park as "a track of revival and future," aiming to restore the pulse of the wounded community and the entire Western Negev.

Adams stated that the facility demonstrates the community's strength and resolve to remain. He announced that the park is expected to host the Israeli Pump Track Championship and, for the first time in Israel, a qualifying competition for the World Championships. Adams also expressed a desire to rebuild the "Beer Be'eri" off-road riding facility nearby. Many Be'eri residents are still displaced and awaiting return to their homes, but the park's operation, including a recent training course, marks a step towards normalcy.