"Here We Chose to Start Anew": The First Wedding in Kerem Shalom Since October 7

Nearly three years after the October 7 attack, the first wedding was held last night in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom. Sivan, a daughter of the kibbutz, and her partner Meir were married at the kibbutz pool near the Gaza border. The event is seen as a symbol of a return to normalcy and life in the kibbutz, following a prolonged evacuation and community rehabilitation.

Nearly three years after the October 7 attack, the first wedding in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom since that day was held last night (Thursday). Sivan, a daughter of the kibbutz who grew up there, and her partner Meir chose to marry at the kibbutz pool, near the Gaza Strip border, in the presence of family, friends, and residents. For the Kerem Shalom community, this is an extraordinary event: since the attack and evacuation, no mass celebration has taken place there. Some community members have only recently returned to live in the kibbutz, after a prolonged period away from their homes. The couple chose to hold the wedding specifically in the place where Sivan grew up, and the event became a symbol for the community of a return to normalcy and life in the kibbutz. The kibbutz management stated: "The couple's choice... is our greatest victory. We have been through the worst. This place has also seen very difficult moments, our community fell apart and was rebuilt." The wedding took place just weeks before the third anniversary of the attack. "In about two and a half weeks, we will mark October 7 in the community," they said, "and the pain and hope are intertwined."