Kibbutz Be’eri is located less than 4-5km from the border with Gaza, in the north-western Negev Desert of southern Israel. For decades the community of approximately 1,200 lived an idyllic rural life with comfortable homes surrounded by greenery.
That all changed on October 7, 2023, when Be’eri was one of several communities along the Israel-Gaza border that was brutally attacked by hordes of Hamas terrorists. The death and destruction of that day changed the kibbutz forever.
On October 6, 1946, Be’eri was one of 11” test farm” communities established by HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (Working and Studying Youth) a movement consisting of passionate young Zionists, dedicated to purchasing land for Jewish settlements. They wanted to see if the arid land of the Negev could be farmed.
The kibbutz was named after Berl Katznelson, a prominent force behind the Zionist movement in the early 1900s. (Be’eri was his pen name). When Israeli independence was declared in 1948, Israel was attacked on all sides. The Egyptians bombed Kibbutz Be’eri, but it was never conquered. After the war, the kibbutz moved 3 km southeast.
Initially, it was a struggle, there was no infrastructure, a lack of agricultural tools, and scorching temperatures. But the settlers held strong and slowly built the foundation of what would eventually be one of the wealthiest kibbutzim in Israel.
In more recent times the residents have become accustomed to the regular sirens warning of incoming rockets from Gaza, none of which destroyed any Be’eri homes or killed any people (until October 7). Each house has a bomb shelter, and everyone knows the drill. They had 15 seconds to get to safety.
Be’eri’s farms also suffered from the proximity to Gaza with burning kites, and exploding balloons often being sent across from Gaza to burn the kibbutz’s fields. Still despite this, it was a slice of paradise for those who chose to live on Kibbutz Be’eri. But nothing could prepare them for October 7, 2023.
Prior to October 7, the community lived in harmony, they had a large communal dining hall, a shady square, and even a theater. There were neat paths, green lawns, and beautiful trees. The residents strived to build a peaceful relationship with the neighbors in Gaza, and volunteers from Be’eri would help transport Palestinian cancer patients from Gaza to Israeli hospitals for treatments. They also employed Palestinians from Gaza on the kibbutz and have a fund to help them financially.
The kibbutz was known for its cultural events, communal singing, farming, and industry. Be’eri’s economy is traditionally based on agriculture and they cultivate potatoes, peanuts, and jojoba trees (for the oil used in cosmetics).
Before October 7, the kibbutz had a thriving cultural and commercial life, some of these activities have ceased while others are slowly re-establishing themselves.
In the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023, the holiday of Simchat Torah, when Jews celebrate receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, hundreds of armed Hamas terrorists broke through the Gaza border fence and infiltrated Kibbutz Be’eri and other nearby communities. They entered the kibbutz from three directions and went on a killing spree.
The youngest victim was ten-year-old Mila Cohen and the oldest was 88-year-old Hannah Kritzman. Approximately 96 kibbutz members were slaughtered, and at least 26 people were taken into Gaza.
The terrorists were accompanied by a Palestinian journalist who broadcast live throughout the massacre, and the terrorists filmed their actions with GoPro cameras. Gaza citizens joined in the rampage and destruction, gleefully looting the kibbutz homes and businesses.
Eventually, Israeli army forces arrived but it took two days to clear the kibbutz or any danger fully. First responders testified to having seen the aftermath of rape, mutilations, and decapitations. A large number of kibbutz buildings and homes were burned to the ground, or riddled with bullets.
Following their evacuation, the residents of Be’eri moved to temporary accommodation. About a week after the massacre Dfus Be’eri was reopened and about a month and a half later the farmers began sowing wheat in the kibbutz fields. It took about six months before the residents could begin contemplating living on the kibbutz again. In a hostage exchange, several of the abducted kibbutz members were returned to Israel.
Many of the homes are still in ruins, with broken tiles, shards of glass on the ground, gutted roofs, and belongings scattered on the ground. On parts of the kibbutz, time has stood still, capturing the scene of October 7 with broken children’s toys, overturned furniture, mounds of rubble, and objects burned until they are no longer recognizable. Some of the residents have returned to the kibbutz to try and rebuild their lives.
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