Gush Katif Residents Hold Emotional Reunion 21 Years After Disengagement

Marking 21 years since the Israeli disengagement from Gush Katif, former residents gathered for a commemorative event titled "Closest to Home" in the Gush Katif Grove within the Kissufim Forest. The gathering, organized by the Gush Katif Heritage Center, provided a space for participants to share memories and express their longing to return to their former homes.

Several attendees spoke to Channel 7 about their feelings during the event. Naomi Eldar from Ganei Tal looked longingly toward the area, expressing hope for a return, telling her grandchildren to be patient as "redemption is near." Pinina Naor from Kfar Darom echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional impact of being so close to their homes, just beyond a checkpoint, and stating that all of Israel desires to return.

Talor Gutman from Katif shared the bittersweet experience of visiting with her daughters for the first time, reflecting on the pain that they never lived in the place where she grew up. Chaim from Neve Dekalim compared the significance of Gush Katif to that of the Western Wall, highlighting the deep connection and desire to return. Hanna Cohen and Ruti Cohen, also from Neve Dekalim, spoke about the immense yearning to come back and the sense of participating in a larger national redemption, despite setbacks.

Micha Hadad, director of the Gush Katif and Northern Samaria Heritage Center, summarized the event by noting that the gathering brought the community "closest to home," allowing them to share stories with younger generations and remember the landscapes, roads, and people that shaped their lives. He emphasized the importance of meeting annually to maintain this connection and keep the hope of return alive.