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.
