The slow return to the kibbutz in the Gaza envelope, in the shadow of trauma: "Building trust, many are undecided"
Almost three years after October 7, only about 50 out of roughly 300 families have returned to Kfar Aza. The kibbutz looks like a construction site, kindergartens have reopened, but many are still debating whether to come back. The kibbutz chairperson says: "The process is complex, resting on fears, traumas, and lack of trust." Residents who have returned speak of the difficulty of coming home, the end of a sense of temporariness, and the hope to rebuild.
Almost three years after the October 7 massacre, Kibbutz Kfar Aza is beginning to return to life, but the process is slow and complex. Only about 50 out of roughly 300 evacuated households have returned to live in the kibbutz, which currently looks like a construction site with many tractors alongside signs of renewed life. Kindergartens opened on September 1, the clinic is on its way, and the resilience center is being renewed, but many residents are still undecided about returning. About 30% to 40% of families are deliberating, and about 10% to 15% have announced they will not return. The kibbutz estimates that about 70% will return by the end of 2027, a goal dependent on the security situation. The article focuses on the story of Vicki and Nadav Nasi Tzentzifer, who returned to the kibbutz after a prolonged evacuation journey through five different places in less than three years. Vicki was in her sixth month of pregnancy on October 7, and during the time in the safe room, she stopped feeling fetal movements. They returned to the kibbutz on August 21, but could not return to their previous home and found another apartment. Nadav says: "With all the difficulty, and there is difficulty, we are good here." The article also notes the destroyed "Young Generation" neighborhood, where 11 residents were murdered and seven were kidnapped. A vote decided to clear the neighborhood and move structures to a memorial site, but several bereaved families petitioned the High Court of Justice. Until a decision is made, the entrance to the neighborhood has been diverted and a separating fence erected.