The story of the Kfar Aza Community following the attack of October 7, 2023
The Kibbitz of Kfar Aza is located about 2km from the Gaza strip border. It was founded in 1951. In the year 2023 it's population was about 800 people, including many young children.
In the horrific massacre at Kfar Aza on the morning of October 7th, 64 people were murdered, and 19 members of the kibbutz were abducted into Gaza by Hamas, including entire families, women, and children. During the massacre, the terrorists looted and set fire to the kibbutz homes and their residents. Additionally, part of the sexual violence during the October 7th massacre occurred in Kfar Aza.
The documentary exhibition 'Through Their Eyes' tells the story of the kibbutz and the impact of October 7, 2023, on their lives through the eyes of the residents. The exhibition was first presented in Kibbutz Shefayim, the temporary home of the kibbutz residents during the war, and is now set to go on a world tour.
What happened on the 7/10 in the Kibbutz
On the morning of October 7th, 2023, the quiet kibbutz of Kfar Aza woke to a nightmare that would forever be etched in its history. What began as a peaceful holiday was violently disrupted by a brutal and shocking invasion by the terrorist organization Hamas.
The attack breached the kibbutz's defenses, leaving behind a trail of destruction, loss, and immeasurable grief.
Kfar Aza, located near the Gaza Strip, had long symbolized resilience and collective spirit. Founded in 1951, the community fostered a cooperative lifestyle, where families lived harmoniously, connected to the land and to one another.
But that fateful Saturday morning, this serene community was transformed in an instant.
At 6:30 AM, the assault began. Under the cover of a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza, Hamas terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz. Armed with rifles, grenades, and a cold determination to wreak havoc, they unleashed unspeakable brutality. Homes were invaded, fires burned, and the air was filled with the sound of gunfire and the cries of terror.
Fifty-five residents were murdered that day. Seven more, including men, women, and children, were taken hostage, their fates uncertain as they were dragged across the border into Gaza.
The devastation did not stop there. Nineteen soldiers who responded to the emergency lost their lives in the line of duty, some executed in cold blood.
The scenes of destruction and suffering defied comprehension.
Bodies were strewn across the kibbutz, homes were left in ruins, and surviving residents were shattered by the weight of what they had endured.
The aftermath of the massacre was equally harrowing. Survivors were evacuated to temporary shelters, but their hearts and minds remained in Kfar Aza, haunted by the memories of loved ones lost and the life they had known.
The kibbutz had represented a microcosm of Israeli resilience, but now it stood as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. As the shock began to settle, stories of courage and humanity emerged. Civilians, soldiers, and emergency response teams worked tirelessly to provide aid and rescue those who could still be saved.
In the face of overwhelming loss, the human spirit refused to be extinguished. WhatsApp groups operated around the clock, connecting survivors and coordinating efforts. Even amid the ruins, there were acts of heroism that spoke to the enduring strength of community.
For the people of Kfar Aza, the road to recovery is a long and painful one.
Many survivors carry physical and emotional scars that may never fully heal. Yet, through their grief, they strive to honor the memory of those who were taken.
Why tell the story?
They tell their stories not just to remember but to bear witness – to ensure that the world does not forget the price they paid for simply existing in their home.
The story of Kfar Aza is not just one of tragedy but also of resilience. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, which shines through even in the darkest of times.
Through their eyes, we see the power of community and the strength of the human heart in the face of unfathomable loss.
"The exhibition is a collective effort by the community, aimed at sharing their story with the world. But no less important, it represents unity, healing, and a path to coping with what has happened." – Shirly Okev
Copyrights: The pictures and the narrative are presented by permission from Shirly Okev, Cultural Coordinator of Kfar Aza
