State surprisingly backs kibbutz hit on 7/10: 'Their decision must be respected'

The state supports the decision of Kibbutz Kfar Aza to demolish and relocate the 'Dor Tza'ir' neighborhood to an external memorial complex, contrary to the Heritage Minister's earlier intentions. In response to a High Court petition, it stated that the members' decision must be respected. Meanwhile, the entrance to the neighborhood will be diverted outside the kibbutz, and a green fence will separate it from the rest of the kibbutz.

In the coming weeks, as some Kfar Aza residents return, the 'Dor Tza'ir' neighborhood will be demarcated and its entrance diverted outside the kibbutz. The bereaved families who petitioned the High Court against the demolition see this as proof that physical separation is possible, preserving the memory in place. The kibbutz views it as an interim step toward demolition and relocation to an external memorial complex, as decided by a majority vote. The state, in its response, supports the kibbutz's decision, stating that 'the decision of Kfar Aza members must be respected' and that intervention could harm residents' return and trust in state institutions. The fence will be 'green' with vegetation, and the fence bordering the Gaza Strip will be higher. Tours will be reduced, and a visitor center will open near the memorial outside the kibbutz. In March, about 300 members voted, with a 70% majority deciding on demolition and relocation. In the neighborhood, 11 were murdered and 7 kidnapped, including freed hostages Gali and Ziv Berman and Emily Damari, who opposed the demolition. The petitioning families call the neighborhood 'a crime scene against humanity and a shocking physical testimony.'