An ICEJ team recently visited the displaced Jewish community of Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha to deliver special gift packages.
On October 7th 2023, a miraculous event unfolded at Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha. Shiri, a member of the kibbutz board, explained: “75 terrorists entered the kibbutz fields but were left exposed because the grain had just been harvested a few days before. A helicopter saw them and neutralized them, preventing further ambushes. If those terrorists would have entered the kibbutz, most of the community would not be here today.”
However, despite this intervention, four people from the kibbutz were tragically murdered, and approximately 16 houses were burned down. Some homes were covered with bullet holes, while others sustained damage from rocket fire in the following days.” Being located right on the border with Gaza has made the kibbutz especially vulnerable, and looting followed the devastation.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is honored to support this community, which, after spending several months living in hotels in Eilat, was relocated to Netivot in the fall of 2024 until they can move together back to Ein HaShlosha. During a recent trip to Netivot, the ICEJ delivered 130 gift boxes for the Tu B’Shvat holiday.
“These gifts are an expression of love to let the people know that they are remembered in these challenging times. Each comes with a gift card and a blessing to let them know that they are not alone. Over the past year, we’ve been able to give over 1000 gift packages to families in various evacuated Kibbutzim including Nir Oz, Re’im, Be’eri, Kfar Azza, Nachal Oz, and Ein HaShlosha, due to the generosity of a Christians in Singapore,” shared Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President for AID & Aliyah.
While in Netivot, we met Shiri Aviv, the current community coordinator and Yael Sherby-Hurwitz another team member who is helping the kibbutz recover.
“92% of the community is here in this neighborhood,” Shiri shared. “The kibbutz community is strong, and living together restores a small sense of normality, despite the transition from a rural environment to a larger city.”
With the community together, they have been able to reestablish routines and create group and individual therapeutic activities so that there is healing both individually and collectively. A favourite has been art therapy, which has become so popular that the kibbutz is considering opening a dedicated art therapy house once they return home. These creative outlets support them in processing their trauma.
As the time to return to the kibbutz draws closer, new challenges arise. Shiri shared that many families have grown accustomed to the sense of safety as well as the conveniences of city life in Netivot. The kibbutz board, alongside the government, is actively working to support their transition back home in the coming months. There are many arrangements to be made. “Things like setting up more streetlights – At first, you might think it’s not urgent, but for them, many children since October 7th are afraid of the dark and therefore don’t go out at night. So, accommodating these needs is a major priority,” Shiri explained.
After the gifts were distributed, we received touching letters in response from members of the kibbutz. Adi, expressed her appreciation beautifully: “In the book of Ecclesiastes, it says that a good name is better than high-quality oil… but now, thanks to our friends, we now have both!”
Lydia, a long-time community member and the widow of Rami, the kibbutz’s security coordinator, who was tragically killed on October 7th, also shared her gratitude:
“Thank you so much, what a thoughtful gift! Happy Tu B’Shvat to all of you as well!”
Shiri’s survival story on October 7th is extraordinary. For 36 agonizing hours, she hid with her children, as terrorists roamed outside her home. Then, by a miracle, the terrorists suddenly left. When rescue finally came, she did not pause to grieve or crumble—she simply washed her face and has been leading the community support and resilience efforts ever since, using her strength and courage to bring hope and healing to the community.
Yael expressed their appreciation in a letter to the ICEJ, “On behalf of the members of Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the wonderful gift boxes you personally delivered to our community members. The people of Ein HaShlosha, who have experienced so much trauma, have not yet been able to return home since the October 7th massacre. However, your kindness and generosity have brought warmth and comfort to them, and we are truly touched by your support.”
She continued, “Gestures like yours remind us that even in the face of hardship, we are surrounded by compassion and solidarity. Your generosity has made a real difference, and we are thankful to have you standing with us.”
As Ein HaShlosha prepares for their journey back home, the community’s story of bravery continues to shine through.
The ICEJ is privileged to stand alongside this community and is committed to helping Israelis in need during these challenging times.
