In the shadow of charred homes, Kibbutz Be'eri continues the painful journey toward recovery nearly a year after the devastating attacks that resulted in the loss of 101 lives and left many residents traumatized. On that fateful day of October 7, 2022, Hamas militants invaded, unleashing chaos in the once peaceful community, which had been a symbol of collective living since its establishment in 1946.

As Simon King carefully maintains the lawns of the kibbutz, a chilling silence envelops the area, only disrupted by distant airstrikes. The scars of violence remain evident, with burnt buildings littered throughout the kibbutz, including places the community once cherished - the nursery and play park. The loss of life has shattered the tight-knit fabric of this community, where neighbours were like family.

Survivors recounted hiding in safe rooms, attempting to connect through WhatsApp groups even as horror unfolded around them. The emotional toll is heavy; many of the survivors now dwell in flimsy prefabricated buildings miles away, unable to bear the thought of returning to the site of their trauma despite their longing for the community they once knew.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Dafna Gerstner, who spent 19 harrowing hours in her safe room, describes the haunting visibility of loss around her: "You look to the left, it’s my friend who lost her parents; you look to the right, someone else lost a loved one. It’s everywhere you look." She lost her brother during the violence, a loss that turned her return to Be'eri into a painful reminder of the day her life changed forever.

Despite the overwhelming sorrow, there are glimmers of hope. Volunteers, like Rami Gold and Simon King, conduct guided tours to explain the community's struggles and histories, underscoring the importance of remembrance. They see these efforts as a therapeutic way to begin rebuilding not just structures, but the spirit of the kibbutz itself.

The transition to new living arrangements at Kibbutz Hatzerim marked both a physical and emotional journey for many. Residents voted on this move, with approximately 70% opting to relocate temporarily. Daily commutes back to Be'eri for work are common, highlighting a desire to stay connected to their roots.

However, underlying tensions regarding the future are palpable. Many survivors, including Shir Guttentag, express uncertainty about ever feeling truly safe again. The tragic events have shifted perspectives, leading them to contemplate security solutions they once dismissed. "On that day, I had nothing in my hands to protect my children," Shir recalls, reflecting a shift from the community's previous norms of support and care to a growing sense of self-reliance.

The once-cherished motto of the kibbutz, inspired by Karl Marx, now resonates with complexity: “Everyone gives as much as he can and everyone gets as much as he needs." With many residents hesitant to return to communal work, the economic foundation that supported their shared lifestyle is at risk. The communal spirit faces challenges as people grapple with isolation and loss.

Interestingly, the kibbutz’s previous commitment to peace-building initiatives has been strained in the aftermath of the violence. Once engaged in collaborations with Gazans, the community now finds itself wrestling with profound emotions of anger and distrust. With the deaths of respected peace advocates such as Vivian Silver further igniting these sentiments, conversations about reconciliation feel distant to many.

As the aftermath of 7 October continues to echo throughout the community, the residents of Be'eri cling to a thread of hope amidst grief. With external assistance and a resilient spirit, they strive to reclaim their lives one day at a time. Yuval Haran, reflecting on his own pain regarding family members still held hostage, echoes the sentiments of many: "I just want my family back, I just want to have a quiet, peaceful life again."

With around 1,200 lives lost across southern Israel on that day and a staggering death toll continuing in Gaza, the conflict remains far from resolved. But within the broken walls of Kibbutz Be'eri, a resilient community is emerging, determined to rebuild, remember, and eventually find peace again.