2 min read
The stories of horror and of bravery that took place on October 7 are varied and many. While some, like that of the inspirational freed hostage Noa Argamani, have become known the world over, others are struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods with less attention.
UJIA committed, on October 7 itself, to stand with the people of Israel for as long as it took to revive and to thrive. Following its emergency work in the hours, days and weeks after the attacks, it made commitments to two kibbutzim that had suffered.
At Be’eri, who lost 10 per cent of their population, UJIA is part of an international effort to physically rebuild the educational centre of the community. At Mefalsim, which successfully defended itself but whose population is splintering in the face of the trauma, it is working with their young people to provide the support necessary to get back on their feet.
Now UJIA is also supporting Kibbutz Alumim. This Bnei Akiva community, founded in 1966 and chosen home of many British olim over the past six decades, has long been an exemplar of resilience in the Western Negev region and had become a key part of Israel’s food security system.
Burnt-out farming equipment. Photos: Chen G Schimmel.[Missing Credit]
But when Hamas came, they didn’t just bring guns to murder innocent people, they also brought fire. The terrorists’ goal was to ensure that even if anyone survived, there would be so little usable land left that they would not be able restart their lives and work, and would be forced to move elsewhere. They knew that the success of farming was a symbol of this region and of the realisation of the Zionist dream itself, in addition, on a more basic level, to ensuring that Israel can feed itself.
At Kibbutz Alumim alone, hundreds of thousands of poultry were burnt alive in their hen houses. Dozens of cattle were reduced to ashes alongside their feedstores.
Line after line of greenhouses were destroyed. And hectare after hectare of arable land was set ablaze. And this is to say nothing of the 22 workers who were murdered and the four who were taken hostage. Two of whom remain in Gaza to this day.
While evacuees have returned, they need equipment to begin working the land again. UJIA has committed to provide the funds for a new potato sower, and if possible, a combine harvester to replace those destroyed by Hamas. These machines will restore the sustainable production of the vital potato crop, and with increased yields the kibbutz can reduce its dependence on costly contractors.
While strengthening Israel’s food security by securing a key staple, they are the critical final piece in supporting the return of residents by creating livelihoods and rebuilding a thriving community. But UJIA needs your help to make this possible.
UJIA Israel director Emily Pater says: “UJIA is working with Kibbutz Alumim to help them recover from the agricultural terrorism that was unleashed on them and caused millions of shekels of damage.
"Their crops and livestock were the hardest hit among all the kibbutzim of the south.
"We have a particular connection to Alumim because of the numbers of British olim who have chosen to make their lives there. UJIA’s support will help the kibbutz rebuild and recover – to continue to be a source of food supply for Israel as well as a strong viable kibbutz on the southern border.”
For more information about UJIA’s work and how you can support the people of Kibbutz Alumim, see ujia.org/alumim.
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