In a moving ceremony, Kibbutz Nir Oz marked the start of its rebuilding, demolishing destroyed homes and pledging to restore life, hope, and community after the October 7 Hamas massacre.
Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the Gaza border communities most devastated by the October 7 Hamas massacre, held a solemn ceremony on Sunday to mark the beginning of its physical and emotional rebuilding.
The event, attended by kibbutz members and their families, began with the demolition of buildings destroyed during the attack, symbolizing both remembrance and renewal.
Kibbutz chairman Tzvika Tesler led the gathering with a prayer that captured both grief and determination:
“May it be God’s will that we walk the path of rehabilitation in peace. May the spirit of hope walk with us, illuminating our steps with the light of renewal. May the memory of the homes that were destroyed remain with us, to guard, to guide, and to remind us of where we came from and where we must go.”
He urged unity and resilience as the kibbutz charts its future:
“Grant us the strength to weave together a vibrant, living community, strong and whole. Let every soul be sheltered in peace. Restore joy to our courtyards, the laughter of children to our paths, and light to the windows of our homes.”
For Nir Oz, which lost dozens of members in the attack and saw many others kidnapped to Gaza, the ceremony represented a turning point in the long road to healing—a declaration that life, hope, and community will rise again from the ruins.
