People wave Israeli flags following the release of hostages who were seized during the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip, in Ofakim, Israel, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko
The residents of Kibbutz Sufa, a southern town of 227, have found a new temporary home more than 3 months after being forced from their homes because of the war. Like the more than 100,000 Israelis displaced from their homes in the north and south, Sufa’s residents were living in a hotel in Eilat, though on Thursday, 30 families moved into their new homes in Ofakim. Another 50 families moved into temporary homes in Ramat Gan.
Residents spoke to Hebrew media, one of them, 22-year-old Yael Alexandrovitz, saying, “The landscape is different and everything is different. We are far from our friends, the families are a little far, but we are surrounded from all directions. I can’t say it’s a happy or sad day for me. There are others who want to come and lay down their heads. On October 7, everything broke and fell apart… [but] the kibbutz won. Most people are still with us.”
Her partner, Elia Lilienthal — who jumped to action on October 7, when Hamas terrorists entered their city during their raid on southern Israel, killing more 1,200 Israelis and taking over 240 hostage — was there for the move. She spoke about her experience on that day: “That day, when everyone was uncertain, I was certain. His walkie-talkie was with me, which allowed me to understand what was going on around me. And I had someone to rely on. That day there was no army and there were no planes… But I had the person I can trust the most. He killed four terrorists outside the house. I feel that I came out stronger mentally than the other people. This was the day that broke everyone.”
The kibbutz was temporarily taken over by Hamas on the day of the attack, with three members being killed. Okafim, where the residents are now living, was also taken over by Hamas, with 50 Israelis being killed by the terrorists.
Another resident, Ziv Chai, said, “We were evacuated to Eilat. I never thought I would live there. It’s a strange city to live in, but I’ve gotten used to the quiet. It’s a little sad to say goodbye to Eilat and go back to a kind of normal life, but I’m glad it’s happening. We hope we can build a life here … I plan to find a job here and just live life. Like everyone else, eventually, I want to return to the kibbutz. This is my home. I don’t really see myself living anywhere else long-term.”
The mayor of Ofakim, Yitzhak Danino, welcomed the new residents, saying, “The terrorists planned one fate for us, and one fate unites us here, together as one people. We are brotherly people. We are happy and proud that we had the privilege of hosting you, and we can assure you that we will do everything to make you feel at home. The residents of Ofakim are warm, loving, and hospitable people, a city of good people, and after October 7, a city of heroic people.”
