Nir Oz Kibbutz Members Begin Rebuilding After Devastating October Attack

In a new episode of the podcast "To the Edge," listeners follow Liat Atzili, a survivor of captivity and widow of Aviv Atzili, who was killed during the October 7 attack on the Nir Oz kibbutz. Located near the Gaza border, Nir Oz suffered a brutal assault by Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of 50 residents and the abduction of 76 others, including men, women, children, and elderly. The attackers destroyed or burned nearly all the kibbutz’s buildings, leaving only six homes intact.

Liat was abducted from her home’s safe room on the morning of the attack and was held captive for 54 days before being released in the first prisoner exchange deal. Her husband Aviv died defending the kibbutz, and his body was taken to Gaza. After her release, Liat became active in advocating for the release of other captives and later focused on the kibbutz’s rehabilitation.

By summer 2024, the community had begun restoring parts of Nir Oz, including reopening the swimming pool and a local pub, which became a hub for gatherings. In November 2024, over 90 percent of the kibbutz members voted to officially rebuild Nir Oz, acknowledging that some members might not return due to trauma and personal losses. The decision was made to rebuild gradually, allowing members to return at their own pace rather than waiting for full reconstruction.

The episode highlights the complex emotional and practical challenges faced by the survivors as they strive to restore their community and preserve their history amid the trauma of the attack.