Photographer Captures Trauma and Renewal in Evacuated Israeli Kibbutz Exhibition
Roi Kasher, a 32-year-old native of Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, has documented the aftermath of the kibbutz’s evacuation during the 2023 "Iron Swords" conflict in a powerful photography exhibition titled "Man Hangs His Yesterday." The exhibition opened in early June at the "Beit HaShomer" museum in Kfar Giladi, showcasing haunting images of abandoned homes, shattered swimming pools, and deserted communal spaces. Kasher, originally a music student, began photographing the kibbutz shortly after the outbreak of war in October 2023, feeling compelled to record the community’s trauma and resilience.
Kasher recounts how he was initially reprimanded for carrying a camera around the shelled kibbutz, but he persisted, capturing every corner of the evacuated settlement. His photos reveal the eerie stillness of a place once vibrant with life, now overtaken by nature and silence. Despite the devastation, Kasher notes signs of recovery as residents returned in February 2025 and began rebuilding, with the kibbutz pool recently restored and children playing again.
The exhibition curator, Bashmat Reuveni-Zavi, emphasizes the importance of Kasher’s work as a historical testimony and part of the community’s healing process. She highlights the emotional impact of images showing everyday objects frozen in time, symbolizing both loss and hope. Kasher’s photos also resonate beyond Kfar Giladi, reflecting a broader experience of trauma and renewal in Israeli kibbutzim affected by conflict.
Architect Sharon Raz and clinical psychologist Dr. Idith Gutman provide context on the cultural and psychological significance of abandoned places and images of destruction. They explain how such visuals evoke nostalgia, emotional catharsis, and a confrontation with existential fears, while also aiding trauma processing for those directly affected. Kasher’s work, therefore, serves not only as art but as a vital record and therapeutic tool for his community.
"Man Hangs His Yesterday" runs from June to October at the Beit HaShomer museum, offering a poignant glimpse into the scars and spirit of a kibbutz that endured war and is now rebuilding its future.
