The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a crossroads, with a bold statement emerging from the ashes of war: 'I want to make it a good place to live.' This is the powerful declaration of Aya Shahar, a 29-year-old who has chosen to move to a kibbutz near the Gaza border, despite the recent horrors that unfolded there. But why would someone make such a move, and what does it signify for the future of the region?
Shahar's decision to relocate to the kibbutz, a Jewish agricultural commune, is a direct response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas-led militants, which left over 1,200 people dead and 250 hostages in Israel. This event sparked a desire in Shahar to contribute to the rebuilding of these ravaged communities, which hold significant historical and cultural value for Israel. But here's where it gets controversial: while some Israelis are following in Shahar's footsteps, others are vehemently opposed.
The kibbutzim, once vibrant hubs of socialist ideals and Zionist ideology, have been at the heart of Israel's national identity. However, the October 7 attacks shattered the sense of security and unity these communities embodied. Now, as the dust settles, the question arises: can these communities be revived, and what does this mean for the broader peace process?
Shahar is part of a group of nearly 2,500 new residents who have moved to kibbutzim near Gaza since October 2023, according to the Tekuma Administration. They join a larger group of 62,000 returnees who are gradually coming back to their homes after a period of displacement. Some are returning in defiance of the war, while others are newcomers, eager to repopulate the empty kibbutzim and revive the leftist Hashomer Hatzair movement, which promotes peace and co-existence.
The Hashomer Hatzair movement, founded in eastern Europe before World War I, envisions life in the kibbutz as the ideal way of living. With support from the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund, members are resettling near the Gaza border, advocating for peace and an end to the fighting. Yet, this stance has become increasingly rare in Israel, as the country's political landscape shifts further to the right.
Recent polls reveal a complex picture. While the majority of Israelis believe it's time to end the conflict in Gaza, there's a growing skepticism about the prospects of peace. The Peace Index survey from Tel Aviv University highlights this dichotomy: only 20% of Israeli Jews support an independent Palestinian state, yet 92% acknowledge the harm caused by the ongoing conflict. This tension is further exacerbated by the current Israeli government, the most far-right in the country's history, with key figures advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and Jewish resettlement in the territory.
The experiences of Avshalom Zohar Sal and Yaron Maor shed light on the challenges of envisioning peace. Sal, who moved to Nir Oz after October 7, finds it difficult for Israeli society to imagine peace after two years of violence. Maor, a survivor of the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, refuses to return home despite the efforts to rebuild. He and his family endured a harrowing experience, and the trauma lingers.
As the kibbutzim are slowly repopulated, the fear of another attack remains. Michal Rahav, a resident of Kibbutz Nirim, returned home despite initial reluctance. She believes that staying is a statement of resilience, but the silence of the ceasefire makes her uneasy. And this is the part most people miss: the psychological impact of the conflict on both sides.
Shahar's belief that no Israeli citizen should live in fear is a powerful sentiment. She argues that peace with Palestinians is the only way to ensure true safety. But is this a realistic vision in the current political climate? The shrinking peace movement in Israel faces mockery and skepticism, with many viewing it as an unattainable fantasy.
So, what does the future hold for the kibbutzim and the broader peace process? Can the ideals of the Hashomer Hatzair movement find new life, or will the forces of division and violence prevail? The answers to these questions will shape not only the fate of the kibbutzim but also the prospects for peace in the region. What do you think? Is peace a realistic goal, or is it time for a different approach?
