ByA Charity Spokesperson, JNF
3 min read
ByA Charity Spokesperson, JNF
In a single devastating day, life changed for ever for thousands of people living in the Gaza envelope communities. On October 7 they had no choice but to leave behind the kibbutzim they cherished. These kibbutzim were far more than just a home, they were a way of life. They were lively, tight-knit communities, where neighbours became family, everything was shared and there was a profound sense of belonging and mutual support.
Now, that sense of belonging has been shattered and these resilient individuals face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, their communities and their future. Many families remain in temporary accommodation, trying to create a sense of normality while others have returned to find their homes unrecognisable, and their once-familiar surroundings marked by loss and trauma.
JNF UK is standing strong with these communities, just as we always have in Israel’s times of need.
It is working closely with the residents of Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, Holit, Sufa and Nir Am, listening to their wishes and providing support through a number of projects aimed at helping them take the first steps to rebuild their lives.
Among the residents JNF UK is supporting is Shir, a 22-year-old orphan originally from Kibbutz Holit. After the tragedy of October 7, when both her parents were murdered by terrorists, she moved between Ein Gedi, Beersheba and her grandparents’ home, before finally arriving at Kibbutz Revivim, about 50km south-east of Holit. Despite settling physically, Shir admits, “I don’t feel at home yet. My heart is still in Holit, but my body is here.”
A critical concern for Shir is the lack of physical and emotional security in Revivim. The absence of a robust fence in areas around the kibbutz leaves her feeling exposed and vulnerable, a fear rooted in her traumatic experience. “If there is a fence, I will feel much safer,” she explains.
Shir also longs for spaces that foster togetherness. In Holit, a community garden and outdoor kitchen served as hubs of connection. “Everyone would meet there, bring dishes, cook and eat together. It wasn’t just about food; it was about community.” In Revivim, such spaces are sorely lacking, and the community feels fragmented.
To support the residents from Holit, JNF UK is planning to build a fence, ensuring their safety and peace of mind, as well as constructing outdoor spaces that can be used by the whole kibbutz to foster unity and help rebuild what they had before.
The residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz experienced unspeakable trauma. Families were forcibly separated, children were kidnapped or killed, and many lost parents and grandparents. The emotional toll on the children has been profound, with every child bearing the weight of loss. Irit, a pre-school manager from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was evacuated with most of the community to Carmei Gat, a neighbourhood in the city of Kiryat Gat, 50km south of Tel Aviv. The children attend Gan Tut kindergarten, but she says: “The facilities lack the nurturing, therapeutic environment these young children desperately need.”
Among other projects being carried out to support this community, JNF UK plans to upgrade the kindergarten, creating a supportive space where children can heal.
These are just two examples of projects for which JNF UK is raising funds in this year’s Green Sunday campaign. With the generous support of its donors, it will enhance and upgrade essential community facilities that will become the backbone of their recovery. These projects are more than just physical places, they are beacons of hope, designed to restore the vital sense of community cohesion that they desperately need to heal and thrive again.
To donate and learn more about how your support can make a difference, go to jnf.co.uk/greensunday2025.
You can also write a message of support to Gaza Envelope communities. JNF UK invites you to participate in its Green Sunday virtual balloon release initiative. This simple yet meaningful activity allows you to choose a virtual balloon and write a message of support to these communities. It’s a free and heartfelt way to show your solidarity and let these resilient individuals know they are not alone. Let your message be a signal of hope and encouragement for those who need it most. To participate and write your message, go to jnf.co.uk/balloons. Together we can spread love, hope and resilience to the Gaza envelope communities.
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