Gaza Border Kibbutz Residents Recount Oct. 7 Trauma and Rebuilding Efforts
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Alex and Yulia Vintrob of Kibbutz Holit described their survival of the October 7th Hamas attack, during which 16 community members were killed. The family hid for 14 hours in their safe room while their home was damaged and a neighboring house burned. After three years of evacuation, they have returned to the kibbutz, which is undergoing extensive rebuilding. Yulia is working to attract new families, while Alex is involved in resilience initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to their home despite the trauma.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Alex and Yulia Vintrob survived the October 7th attack on Kibbutz Holit, which killed 16 residents.
- During the attack, a military contact told Alex, "you are alone. No one will come."
- The Vintrob family spent 14 hours in their safe room as their home was damaged and a neighbor's house burned.
- After three years away, the Vintrobs have returned to the kibbutz to aid in its physical and emotional rebuilding.
- Yulia is working to attract new families to the kibbutz, while Alex is involved in resilience initiatives.
- Despite the trauma, the Vintrobs are committed to their home, calling the rebuilding an opportunity.
Alex and Yulia Vintrob, residents of Kibbutz Holit near the Gaza border, shared their harrowing experiences from the October 7th Hamas attack and their subsequent efforts to rebuild their lives and community. The couple, who immigrated separately from Ukraine and Uzbekistan, met in Israel and have lived in Kibbutz Holit for 13 years, seeking a communal and educational environment for their children.
On October 7th, the family spent 14 hours sheltering in their safe room as Hamas terrorists attacked the kibbutz, killing 16 community members and 4 soldiers. Alex recounted receiving a dire message from a military contact stating, "Alex, you are alone. No one will come. Take care of yourselves." They witnessed the house opposite theirs burn down, narrowly escaping what they believe would have been their fate.
After evacuating, the family spent three years away from Holit, initially in Ein Gedi, then splitting between Ofakim and Ravivim due to Alex's reserve duty. They recently returned to the kibbutz, which is still undergoing significant physical and emotional rehabilitation. The Vintrobs are actively involved in rebuilding efforts, with Yulia heading the absorption committee and working to attract new families, while Alex, who served extensively in reserves, consults on emergency preparedness and resilience.
Despite the immense challenges, including extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, the Vintrobs express a strong commitment to their home. "There was no question of whether to return, even if it's in the middle of excavations, dust, and holes, this is home," Yulia stated. They acknowledge the long emotional recovery process and the fact that many residents have not yet returned, but they see the current period as an opportunity for renewal and growth in the Gaza border region.
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