Kibbutz Nir Oz Solidarity Tour

Kibbutz Nir Oz, was a small Kibbutz of 400 members, located in the northwestern Negev desert, less than 1km from the Gaza Strip, and was established in 1955 by a group of young pioneers from Argentina and Uruguay. This kibbutz is part of the Kibbutz Movement, a collective community traditionally based on agriculture. Over the years, Kibbutz Nir Oz has grown and diversified its economic activities, including agriculture, dairy farming, and industrial enterprises such as the silicon plant (Nirlat). The community has always been known for its resilience, pioneering spirit, and strong sense of solidarity.

Nir Oz is not just a place of work; it's a vibrant community with a rich cultural life, educational programs, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The kibbutz's name, meaning "Field of Strength" in Hebrew, reflects the determination of its members who have continuously worked to make the desert bloom, next to the hostility and dangers of the Gaza Strip.

Kibbutz Nir Oz Massacre

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Kibbutz Nir Oz was subjected to a brutal attack by about 150 Hamas Nukba Terrorists. The Terrorists, along with some civilians from Gaza, infiltrated the kibbutz, leading to devastating consequences. They killed 47 members and abducted 71 residents. The assault was broadcast live by an amateur Palestinian journalist, capturing the tragic events as they unfolded. The terrorists left the kibbutz around 1:40 PM, but the first Israeli forces did not arrive until an hour later at 2:45 PM!!!. The Israeli forces worked to clear the remaining civilians and by the evening declared complete control of the kibbutz. In a heartening development in late November 2023, 40 of the abducted Israeli civilians from Nir Oz were released by Hamas. The massacre and the abductions have left an unforgettable mark on the community which lost 25% of its dear members, underscoring the severe vulnerabilities faced by those living near the Gaza border and the profound resilience required to endure such tragedies.

Kibbutz Nir Oz Hostages and Murdered Residents

In the wake of the massacre, several residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. The hostages include men, women, and children, whose conditions are currently unknown. The kidnapping has added another layer of trauma to an already devastated community, as families anxiously await news of their loved ones and the international community calls for their immediate release.

The dilemma of the hostages has drawn global attention, with numerous humanitarian organizations and governments urging for their safe return. The residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz have shown remarkable unity and strength, supporting each other through these difficult times and keeping hope alive for the safe return of their friends and family members.

1. Amiram Cooper, 84, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity. His body is held in Gaza.
2. Yoram Metzger, 80, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity. His body is held in Gaza.
3. Chaim Peri, 79, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity. His body is held in Gaza.
4. Elad Katzir, 47, Nir Oz: Murdered in captivity. His body was returned in a military operation after 183 days.
5. Yair Yaakov, 59, Nir Oz: Murdered on October 7th. His body is held in Gaza.
6. Tamir Adar, 38, Nir Oz: Murdered on October 7th. His body is held in Gaza.
7. Judy Weinstein, 70, Nir Oz: Murdered on October 7th. Her body was taken to Gaza.
8. Alex Danzig, 75, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
9. Ofer Calderon, 50, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
10. Sasha Alexander Trupanov, 28, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
11. Eitan Horn, 37, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
12. Yair Horn, 45, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
13. Gadi Moshe Mozes, 79, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
14. Avraham Munder, 78, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
15. Arbel Yahud, 28, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
16. Oded Lifshitz, 83, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
17. David Cunio, 33, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
18. Ohad Yahalomi, 49, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
19. Itzik Elgart, 69, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
20. Matan Zangauker, 23, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
21. Sagi Dekel Chen, 35, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
22. Ariel Cunio, 26, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
23. Ilana Gritzewsky, 30, Nir Oz: Released from captivity after 55 days. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
24. Nili Margalit, 41, Nir Oz: Released after 55 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
25. Shani Goren, 29, Nir Oz: Released after 55 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
26. Yelena Trupanov, 50, Nir Oz: Released after 54 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
27. Irena Tati, 73, Nir Oz: Released after 54 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
28. Liat Atzili, 49, Nir Oz: Released after 54 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
29. Ofelia Roitman, 77, Nir Oz: Released after 53 days in captivity.
30. Ditza Heiman, 84, Nir Oz: Released after 53 days in captivity.
31. Ada Sagi, 75, Nir Oz: Released after 53 days in captivity.
32. Tamar Metzger, 78, Nir Oz: Released after 53 days in captivity.
33. Yuval Engel, 11, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
34. Yagil Yaakov, 13, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
35. Or Yaakov, 17, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
36. Erez Calderon, 12, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
37. Sahar Calderon, 16, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
38. Emma Cunio, 3, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
39. Julie Cunio, 3, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
40. Sharon Aloni Cunio, 34, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
41. Mika Engel, 18, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
42. Karina Engel-Bart, 51, Nir Oz: Released after 52 days in captivity.
43. Channa Katzir, 77, Nir Oz: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
44. Yafa Adar, 85, Nir Oz: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
45. Ruti Munder, 78, Nir Oz: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
46. Keren Munder, 54, Kfar Saba: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
47. Ohad Munder, 9, Kfar Saba: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
48. Emilia Aloni, 6, Yavne: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
49. Danielle Aloni, 45, Yavne: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
50. Margalit Moses, 77, Nir Oz: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
51. Adina Moshe, 72, Nir Oz: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
52. Raz Katz Asher, 4, Ganot Hadar: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
53. Aviv Katz Asher, 2, Ganot Hadar: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
54. Doron Katz Asher, 34, Ganot Hadar: Released after 49 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
55. Aviv Atzili, 49, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His body is held by Hamas.
56. Eliyahu Margalit, 75, Nir Oz: Murdered in Hamas captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
57. Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, Nir Oz: Murdered in Hamas captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
58. Ronen Engel, 55, Nir Oz: Murdered in Hamas captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
59. Maya Goren, 56, Nir Oz: Murdered in Hamas captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
60. Ravid Katz, 51, Nir Oz: Murdered in Kibbutz Nir Oz and his body was taken to Gaza.
61. Gadi Haggai, 73, Nir Oz: Murdered on October 7th. His body was taken to Gaza.

62. Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, Nir Oz: Released after 17 days in captivity. Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

63. Shiri Bibas, 32, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

64. Ariel Bibas, 4, Nir Oz: Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

65. Kfir Bibas 1, Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir

66. Yarden Bibas 34, Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir

The Bibas Family - A Palestinian amateur journalist broadcasted the abduction of the mother and her two babies (Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir). The youngest recorded abductee is 9-month-old Kfir Bibas. They were not released alongside the women and children in late November. Instead, Hamas had the husband, Yarden Bibas, record a statement claiming that his family had been killed. As of February 2024, this information has not yet been verified.

How Can We Help Kibbutz Nir Oz?

In the aftermath of the massacre and kidnappings, there are several ways to support Kibbutz Nir Oz and its residents:

1. Donations: Financial contributions can help rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and provide essential services to the community. Various organizations are accepting donations specifically for Kibbutz Nir Oz.

2. Advocacy: Raising awareness about the situation in Kibbutz Nir Oz and advocating for the release of the hostages can help keep international attention focused on the community's plight.

3. Volunteering: If you are in Israel or planning to visit, consider volunteering your time and skills to assist in rebuilding efforts. Many hands are needed to restore the kibbutz and support its residents.

4. Solidarity Tours: Participating in solidarity tours like the Kibbutz Nir Oz Solidarity Tour can show support and bring much-needed attention to the community. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the kibbutz's history, meet its residents, and understand the challenges they face.

5. Letters and Messages of Support: Sending messages of encouragement and solidarity can provide emotional support to the residents, letting them know they are not alone during this difficult time.

Visit Kibbutz Nir Oz and Help the Community

A solidarity tour to Kibbutz Nir Oz is is not a sightseeing experience; it's a profound act of solidarity with the affected communities. This emotionally charged journey allows visitors to witness firsthand the impact of the October 7th events and the ongoing challenges faced by residents. Beyond visiting Nir Oz, you can visit during the day the Nova festival site, the burnt cars, and shelters. Participants have the opportunity to engage with local communities, hear their stories, and show support. This solidarity tour aims to raise awareness about the horrific events that unfolded and their lasting consequences. Visitors are encouraged to donate to recovery and support efforts, whether through financial contributions or by volunteering their time and skills. By participating in the Nir Oz tour and sharing their experiences, visitors play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the situation, ensuring that the world doesn't forget the tragedy and the ongoing needs of the affected communities.