“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”  (Psalm 147:3) 
 
A main highlight of the ICEJ’s Envision pastors’ conference in February was a deeply moving visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the worst-hit Gaza border communities invaded by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.    

Located in the western Negev just two kilometres from Gaza, Kibbutz Be’eri was the scene of a horrific massacre in which 101 civilians and 31 security personnel were killed and dozens were taken hostage by Gazan terrorists. Entire neighbourhoods were devastated, and more than two years later much of the kibbutz still stands empty and in ruins, with burned out buildings standing as silent witnesses to that dreadful morning.  

For many Envision participants, this was their first visit to Israel, and seeing the tangible aftermath of October 7 with their own eyes left an unforgettable impression. Local kibbutz guides led us from site to site, entering even the scorched, bullet-ridden homes where families were brutally murdered, and recounting the haunting stories that unfolded there. The experience was sobering and deeply impacting.  

Pastor Wayne Sandeman, a first-time visitor to Israel with the ICEJ, was moved by the guide’s personal testimony. Leading the group into his own bullet-ridden, burned-out home where he and his family had fought to survive for 16 hours on that horrific day. Slowly, he revealed the full reality of that dark moment. 

“It put you right face-to-face with Hamas, the beast that it is”, recalled Pastor Wayne. “That heartless, cold hatred to walk into a civilian neighbourhood and do such things.”  

Yet, amid the stark testimony of pain and destruction, the visit also shone with hope and renewal. As part of the field trip on the last day of Envision, participants were introduced to several key rebuilding projects being sponsored by ICEJ that are helping to restore life and purpose in Be’eri and neighbouring communities.    

One such initiative is the new Be’eri youth activity center. Completely destroyed on October 7, the original facility is being rebuilt from the ground up with ICEJ funding. When finished, it will provide children and teens with safe space for recreational and educational activities, counselling and community life – helping them recover from trauma and rediscover joy and belonging.    

A second major project is the construction of a modern dental clinic in one of the hardest-hit parts of the kibbutz. Also built from the ground up, this new facility aims to restore dignity, physical well-being, and normalcy in everyday living.  

ICEJ is also assisting in the renovation of an elderly care center in the kibbutz, giving seniors a welcoming place for fellowship and medical attention. For residents who lost homes and years of memories, these community hubs represent a path toward healing that goes far beyond bricks and mortar.  

For the pastors who came to Israel to deepen their understanding of Scripture and the enduring spiritual significance of this nation, seeing these aid projects was a profound reminder that faith and compassion must translate into visible examples of love in action. 

Standing in front of the new buildings, ICEJ’s Vice President of Aid and Aliyah, Nicole Yoder, explained that “this represents a hug from the nations… It’s our tangible expression of love.”  

Pastor Wayne later reflected on the experience in the kibbutz. 

“The one word that stands out is the word resilience”, he said. “These people keep choosing life. They’re going to rebuild. They’re going to make it better than before.”  

The visit to Be’eri was also a rare moment in time. With plans underway to demolish the remaining destroyed homes and clear the site for new construction, this was one of the last chances for visitors to witness the original aftermath of the October 7 assault before renewal reshapes the landscape. 

The ICEJ remains committed to walking with these communities, helping to build not just structures but hope, resilience and opportunity. This is possible because of your support in bringing healing and life where there has been brokenness and loss. Please continue to support the ICEJ’s Israel in Crisis fund. Give today.