Frequently Asked Questions

Be’eri is a community on the border of Gaza, established in 1946. It was built on the vision of working together to develop Israel's land.

From its inception through the 1970s, the relationship between Gaza and Be’eri was relatively stable. Be’eri residents shopped at the markets and visited the shore within the Gaza border. However, the interaction began to shift in 1987, when the first intifada began. Be’eri residents continued to employ Gazans in the Be’eri farming and agricultural industries; however, they stopped entering Gaza for leisure. In 2007, following the Israeli unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Hamas was elected as the leader in Gaza, and the threat of terrorism and violence grew. As a result, the employment of Gazan residents in the Kibbutz ceased. Each year since then, some members of the Kibbutz have raised funds to support the specific Gazan residents who had worked in Be’eri for the years prior. All three Be’eri residents were killed on October 7^th, 2023. 

Since 2001, rockets have been launched towards Israel from Gaza, with the first rocket hitting the city of Sderot. After Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, and especially since 2007 when Hamas took control, rocket fire from Gaza has become more frequent, and the weaponry of terrorist organizations has improved over time. Since then, several military operations have taken place in the region, including Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Clouds, Operation Protective Edge, and Operation Guardian of the Walls. Consequently, those born in the 1990s and onwards have become accustomed to living under the threat of rocket alarms and experiencing military operations every few years. Aside from the psychological support that some families have needed, there have been measures like fortified rooms and the Iron Dome system to protect the residents' lives.

Yes. Be’eri is the largest “collective Kibbutz” in the region. This means that land and home ownership, as well as all income generated by the Kibbutz and its members, is jointly managed to support Kibbutz infrastructure and operations. 

A successful cooperative kibbutz with a strong community represents a way of life where well-being is measured by the visibility and nature of the communal environment, not just by what is inside one's home. The kibbutz takes care of the residents' welfare, providing housing, healthcare services, education, shared vehicles, laundry facilities, a dining hall, and community events. Besides the members' daily work, there are various committees managed by kibbutz members to advance internal processes in all areas.

In general, each kibbutz member accumulates seniority, which grants them rights within the kibbutz. For example, families with a certain number of seniority years are entitled to a permanent residence built by the kibbutz, thus ensuring a suitable home for a good life. The concept behind seniority is that the longer a member has been in the kibbutz, the more they are presumed to have contributed to its development.

Members of the kibbutz have specific work obligations that must be met to receive all their rights. Those who fulfill their obligations receive a budget that is adjusted according to family size, including the number of children, and an additional budget based on the distribution of profits from kibbutz businesses. The families in the kibbutz all know each other, and all members participate in decision-making and policy setting for the kibbutz across various issues.

The Kibbutz is a democracy-based entity and is therefore comprised of several committees run by elected leaders from the Kibbutz. Each committee manages community operations according to a set of by-laws. When significant changes or decisions must be made within the community, the management presents their recommendations to the Kibbutz and brings the issue to vote.

Before October 7^th, 2023, Be’eri had 1,200 members – including 350 children aged 0-12.

Since its establishment in 1946, Be’eri has had economic influence in the region. Today, Be’eri is home to multiple thriving businesses, including:

• Be’eri Printing – The most Advanced printing company in the Middle East with variable data printing
• Lamedavesh – Bike rental and experience company
• Ayuna – Carpentry boutique and furniture store‍
• Be’eri Dairy – Handmade quality cheese, catering services, events, and additional products for sale
• Lalush Bakery – Hand-made cookies, cakes, desserts, and pastries
• Be’eri Agriculture – Robust agriculture industry, shipping produce globally and locally.

Over the years, Be’eri has had economic and agricultural influence in the region. Their business success and ability to integrate technological advancements in industries such as printing and agriculture have encouraged other regional communities to learn from them and follow. Be’eri Printing, for example, is the largest printing company in the country. As such, in addition to contributing to a large portion of the Kibbutz revenue, it employs hundreds of Negev residents outside of Be’eri as well. 

Today, Be’eri continues to influence the region. As such, when Be’eri Printing and Farming were among the first companies to reopen after the October 7th massacre, other businesses in the region followed.

On October 6th, 2023, Kibbutz Be’eri celebrated its 77th anniversary. In the early morning of October 7th, over 3000 Hamas terrorists broke through the security fence. They entered the Gaza Envelope region of Israel, leading to the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. At least 400 of these terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Be’eri, kidnapping 31 civilians and murdering 100, including a 10-month-old baby (girl) and 88-year-old (man). The remaining residents were terrorized, orphaned, and widowed. Over 120 homes were desecrated – others were damaged and looted. 

Everyone in the kibbutz was affected.

102 people were murdered (3 of them were guests), and 31 were kidnapped. As of September 2024, 18 residents have since been released, and 2 bodies have been recovered in Gaza. 10 residents remain in captivity, 7 of whom are presumed dead.

Yes. On October 7th, Hamas and other Palestinian civilians entered Be’eri and not only desecrated the Kibbutz but those living within it. Immediately following the horrific attacks, forensic experts combed through the Gaza envelope region to collect human remains and evidence of what was committed. It is during these few weeks following October 7 that the depth and breadth of Hamas's destruction was understood. There is now clear and distinct evidence of sexual violence committed against the Nova Festival attendees. Similar findings have been and continue to be discovered in various surrounding communities. To date, there is no decisive evidence that the residents of Be’eri were sexually assaulted. However, in many cases, homes and bodies were desecrated too severely to prove otherwise. 

What is clear and incredibly disturbing is the level of joy and ease at which the terrorist committed such heinous acts in Kibbutz Be’eri. Children, elderly, and disabled residents of Kibbutz Be’eri were killed at point-blank range. Others were murdered, burned, and worse, using primitive weapons such as knives, axes, and even pitchforks. 

The details here are not provided to make light of the terrible events of October 7th. Rather, it shows the depth the Hamas terrorists went to destroy Kibbutz Be’eri and the immense support the Kibbutz will require to rebuild and return.

As the war against Hamas continues, the residents of Be’eri are focused on rescuing the hostages and ensuring Gaza is no longer a threat to their safety and security. That said, the details surrounding the security breach and subsequent response from the IDF remain in question and the Israeli government has committed to a full investigation after the war is over. 

While many details remain unclear, here is what we do know: 

• The October 7^th massacre was a calculated and robust mission to take complete control of the region: security posts, army bases, police headquarters, and settlements. 
• Inside the Kibbutz, the Civilian Emergency response team responded as soon as they learned of the infiltration. Unfortunately, by that time, there were already hundreds of terrorists in the Kibbutz with intense, military-grade weaponry. 
• The Civilian Emergency Squad consists of members who train to protect and defend the Kibbutz for up to 15 minutes, which is the estimated wait time for the IDF to arrive. The training focuses primarily on protecting and demilitarizing small terrorist groups or infiltration. Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened since the Kibbutz was inception in 1946; therefore, the system built to respond to this type of attack was insufficient. 
• Despite being ill-prepared, the members of the Civilian Emergency Squad bravely fought to protect the community – and unfortunately, many were killed in the process. In fact, within the first hour, three casualties were reported, along with five injuries from direct terrorist confrontations.
• At approximately 9 am, the Shaldag commando unit arrived at the entrance to Be’eri. A small team of 15 quickly suffered losses and realized they were unprepared to neutralize the over 250-armed terrorists who had already taken control of the homes in Be’eri. As such, they retreated to the entrance of the kibbutz and awaited further support. 
• Between 6 am – 2 pm, there was no significant IDF presence in the Kibbutz.
• In the early morning hours, soldiers from across the country, from a variety of units, mobilized to the region, encountering many terrorists along their journey. 
• At some point, soldiers were stationed outside the main entrance to Be’eri, waiting for command. However, because they came from distinct units and were unclear about the next steps, further entrance into the Kibbutz was delayed. 
• Eventually, a platoon of infantry soldiers entered through the main gate with their tank and, with the size and force of their vehicle, were able to take back control of some of the homes. 
• The IDF Airforce was deployed in the region but was limited in how they could help. Generally, the Air Force is not authorized to bomb Israeli towns, and until October 7th, there was never a need to evaluate the efficacy of this guideline. Unfortunately, in accordance with this guideline, the Air Force could not support the Civilian Emergency Squad and Be’eri residents in the way it likely could have.

During October 7^th and for the days, weeks, and months that have followed, Kibbutz residents and Israeli soldiers have been bravely fighting against hate and terror. While it will be important to identify how this took place and what can be done to prevent it from repeating today, residents of Be’eri are grateful for the brave soldiers who are focused on bringing the hostages home and ensuring Hamas is no longer a threat to the community.

In August 2024, most community members (700 people) relocated to the temporary housing complex in Kibbutz Hatzerim. Meanwhile, 200 kibbutz members returned to reside in Be’eri, while an additional 200 are dispersed in various locations across the country.

As of March 2024, 9 residents remain in captivity, 3 of whom are presumed dead.

Each member of the Kibbutz has a unique harrowing story and has, therefore, chosen to respond. Some members have returned to collect their personal belongings or visit their homes, while others do not wish to return until the debris and destruction have been completely removed.

The Kibbutz recognizes that allowing visitors to hear first-account stories and bear witness to the Hamas atrocities is crucial. However, to respect the wishes of Be’eri residents, visits have been limited and require specific permission before entrance.

Despite living without stability or a clear path forward, Be’eri members have taken steps toward successfully coping with trauma and its ramifications. One week after October 7, 2023, the Be’eri printing press opened its doors. Shortly after, Be’eri Agriculture also returned – despite a minimal available workforce. In December 2023, a task force of young residents returned to Be’eri, reclaiming management of the Kibbutz. Today, 200 residents live in Be’eri – though it is still an active war zone and not advised.

The ultimate return to Be’eri will occur in approximately 3-4 years. Until then, the plan for Be’eri residents is as follows: 

• Phase 1: Dead Sea Hotel – now through July November 2024 
• Phase 2: Temporary Housing @ Kibbutz Hatzerim – July 2024 through August 2026 
• Phase 3: Return to Be’eri – August 2026 & beyond

Most of the community would like to return to Be’eri. However, before then, community buildings and homes must be rebuilt, and a sense of safety and security must be restored. This will require time and resources beyond what the government will provide.

The members of Kibbutz Be’eri are and have always been politically diverse. For example, in 2007, the Kibbutz decided to stop hiring employees from the Gaza Strip, and yet, there were peace activists among them who maintained a hope for co-existence. An event as grave and consequential as October 7^th has undoubtedly resulted in new and different perspectives. Therefore, then and now, it is impossible to claim that the Be’eri community of over 1000 people share a single political view. The community is united, however, in its fight to immediately bring the hostages home, rehabilitate its members, and conceptualize a path forward.

The primary challenge today is the restoration of the community, both in addressing mental health and preventing post-trauma, as well as in fostering resilience. Another significant challenge lies in managing a community split across multiple locations. Within the kibbutz itself, demolition processes have begun for buildings damaged in the terror attack, accompanied by numerous challenges related to constructing new neighborhoods and rebuilding destroyed public facilities.

To encourage families to return and new members to join, residents must feel physically, emotionally, and mentally safe in the very place where it was all taken from them. This means creating a beautiful community full of engaging cultural activities, thriving economic opportunities, and communal connection is paramount for a successful rehabilitation. 

While the community was able to maintain the Kibbutz before October 7^th, the rehabilitation costs will far exceed the annual operational budget. Regrettably, Be’eri residents also anticipate this financial burden will exceed what the Israeli government can provide.

The government has provided the following support since October 7: 

• Housing & Food
  • Following the October 7^th attacks, Kibbutz residents were given two options. Both options will end in November 2024, when the Kibbutz moves to Hatzerim
    • Option 1: Live in the hotel where lodging and three daily meals would be covered.
    • Option 2: Receive a daily stipend per family member, per day and secure your own food and shelter.
• Fallen Soldiers Family Law
  • Families who lost a loved one because of the October 7^th attacks were and continue to be eligible for compensation.
• Therapeutics
  • Since January, the government has provided resiliency therapies to Kibbutz residents.
  • Support is allocated through the regional councils and allows for up to 12 visits annually with a qualified mental health professional.
  • Traditional therapy is the only modality covered - leaving a large delta for residents looking for alternative therapeutic options.
• Hatzerim
  • The government is funding the cost of the temporary housing construction

The Tekumah Administration provided compensation amounting to 10 million NIS for actual demolition expenses and an advance of 64 million NIS for 2025. The final compensation amount has yet to be determined and is pending a government decision.

While the specific details are not yet finalized, the government will cover basic and emergent needs. This will include a substantial portion of the rebuilding efforts for private homes and public buildings, along with certain acute emotional and physical needs. That said, to build a strong Kibbutz Be’eri and encourage the young families to return, conditions of prosperity must be a focus. The government's limited budget won’t accommodate these needs, so immediately after October 7, Kibbutz management established a fundraising team to ensure both emergent and long-term needs are met with ease.

The fundraising efforts have been divided into four categories. Certain support mechanisms will be required by the Be’eri residents throughout all four phases, and other needs are phase-specific. Here is a basic breakdown of needs, details of which will be concretized in the coming weeks and available upon request. 

• Phase 1: Dead Sea Hotel – Current through July 2024
  • Goal is $10M. 
  • Mental and emotional support, including individual, group, and community treatment for all ages. 
  • Informal education requirements to subsidize teaching salaries, support educational activities, transportation for children with special needs, and more.
  • Community activities and independent-based initiatives such as cooking and laundry complex, transportation services, and events for the elderly.    
• Phase 2: Kibbutz Hatzerim – July 2024 through August 2026
  • Goal is $15M.
  • Furniture and household appliances to assist in the rehabilitation efforts of those who continue to live without personal belongings.
  • Outdoor infrastructure for communal socialization, such as shade-producing trees, pergolas, and benches
  • Continuation of mental and emotional support, informal education, and community activities from Phase 1
• Phase 3: Return to Be’eri – August 2026 some text
  • Goal is $50M.
  • Physical restoration and creation of public buildings, playgrounds, community centers, landscaping, and more 
  • Economic development to reestablish a thriving business center in Be’eri, surpassing previous goals. 
  • Continuation of mental and emotional support, informal education, and community activities initiated during Phase 1 
  • Developing local tourism initiatives
• Phase 4: Memorialization and Commemoration – Beyond
  • Goal is $15M.
  • Record the events of October 7th in a manner that respects the victims & survivors and contributes positively to the rebuilt Be’eri atmosphere. 
  • Will likely include a physical memorial in Be’eri and a documented framework to record and share stories, evidence, and facts from October 7th, 2023.

The vote on the plan for the physical restoration of Kibbutz Be’eri took place on December 5, 2024, and was approved by a majority. The plan is currently undergoing updates to cost estimates and detailed specifications. It is expected to be published for donors and the public during the first quarter of 2025.

Yes. While each community raises money independently, the leaders meet to share ideas and support each other during this difficult transitional period.

The community's primary need is managing a divided population. Currently, the Kibbutz Be’eri community is spread across Kibbutz Hatzerim, Kibbutz Be’eri, and various locations throughout the country. This need is reflected in several areas: education and welfare programs, community events and joint ceremonies, and employment support, including assisting young people and key personnel in re-entering the workforce.