By Laurina Driesse

This week, ICEJ Vice President for AID and Aliyah, Nicole Yoder, and AID Assistant Jannie Tolhoek participated in a special tree-planting ceremony held at Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza border.

This kibbutz was one of the hardest hit during the Hamas October 7 attacks. For the first time since the tragedy, Kfar Aza members gathered at the kibbutz this week to witness the ceremony and to meet and host donors who have supported them on their journey home.  Many shared their tragic personal stories and the miracle of their survival.

Guests were welcomed by Ori Epstein, the current Mayor of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, who also sadly lost five family members on October 7. He expressed his appreciation: “In moments of darkness, you appeared. The support of each one became a lifeline of hope for us. I want to say this clearly: without you, we could not stand up again… Thank you for being here with us. Thank you for being our hope. Am Israel Chai.”

The ICEJ team was hosted by Ayelet, a long-time kibbutz member whose husband was tragically killed at the entrance of the kibbutz when the attack began. She remained in her safe room and endured three waves of terrorists ransacking her home and shooting everywhere, but miraculously, they did not enter her safe room.

The ceremony was held to honor donors who are dedicated to rebuilding Kfar Aza.

The ICEJ has committed to seven major recovery and rebuilding projects in the Gaza Envelope, two of which are in Kfar Aza. These projects are the renovation of a kindergarten into a children’s trauma center, as well as the establishment of an innovative new music therapy center at the heart of the kibbutz, with music equipment, a recording studio, therapy rooms and a performance space for community events. The completion of both projects is essential preparation for families returning home.

The tree-planting ceremony is significant. It symbolises new life, growth and development, showing that the community of Kfar Aza is finally returning and ready to rebuild. “Some of the residents plan on returning home as early as the summer of 2026”, shared Nicole.

Please support the ICEJ in helping these hard-hit communities recover and rebuild, by giving to our Israel in Crisis fund at: help.icej.org/crisis