Kibbutz Nir Oz

Middle Israel: Remember October 7 by building a stronger western Negev - opinion

From destroyed kibbutzim to new memorials, Israel is grappling with how to commemorate October 7 while rebuilding the western Negev and ensuring its communities thrive.

NIR OZ decided to demolish all its 400 damaged buildings and build from scratch, preserving only sporadic reminders of the carnage, to be integrated in a memorial complex. Here, children of the kibbutz visit their destroyed home one last time before.
 ‘He told me to leave him’: Former hostage Iair Horn recounts running from missiles in Gaza with brother who remains captive.

Former hostage Iair Horn declared honored guest of Buenos Aires, shares story of Gaza captivity

Dalit Ram Aharon (rear, C) takes part in a therapeutic surfing trip to Sri Lanka for women from Kibbutz Nir Oz. HaGal Sheli (My Wave) organized the trip as part of its therapeutic surfing programs for individuals affected by Oct. 7.

From Nir Oz to the Waves: How Surf Therapy Helped an October 7 Survivor Reclaim Her Inner Strength

A woman cries at the Nova music festival memorial site on October 6, 2026.

Three years later, October 7 is still not in the past for Israelis - editorial


Uncle of Bibas family sues Al-Jazeera for alleged ties to Hamas, role in October 7 attack

Led by attorney Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, American victims claim the Qatari media giant aided Hamas and PIJ, inciting violence and abetting terrorism.

 Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas are abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.

Israel comes together during tragedy, but where are its leaders? - opinion

Israel is a nation built on solidarity – the idea that no one stands alone and that we have a responsibility that goes beyond the norm. 

 IDF soldiers salute as the motorcade carrying the bodies of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas travels on Route 232 in the South, on the way to Tsoher Regional Cemetery on Wednesday. This is the reality we live in: Even in our greatest pain, we strive to stand together, says the writer.

Standing in silence: Israel gathers for the Bibas family - opinion

Because when a mother and her children are stolen from their home and returned in death, we do not look away.

 Israelis at the Bibas family funeral on February 26, 2025.

Grieving mother shares anguish of explaining Ariel Bibas's murder to son

"Then you’ll come back to us and be with us in kindergarten. I hope you buy yourself sweets and a cape. I miss you," the letter continued.

 Ariel Bibas with his friend Yoav.

'I won't leave anyone behind,' Netanyahu tells freed hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen during call

"I am glad I insisted on securing the release of as many hostages as possible in the current deal—despite Hamas's opposition," Netanyahu said.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes a call with US President Joe Biden following Iran's attack on Israel. April 14, 2024.

We are committing to life amid the face of evil - opinion

The fact that roughly 180,000 children were born in Israel itself contains a message – 10,000 times chai. Our enemies revel in death; we engage in 10,000 times life.

 THE WRITER and her husband, Elliott, show the fruits of their labor, picking oranges in Nir Oz in December 2023.

Hostage documentary, Holding Liat, wins major award at the Berlinale

The film details the struggle of the Beinin-Atzili family after Liat was kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7

Released hostage Liat Beinin-Atzili and her father, Yehuda Beinin, at the Holding Liat premiere.

Bibas family speaks out for first time since identification of Kfir and Ariel Bibas

"None of this was deserved. We will miss you forever. We will not give up on Mom, Shiri," Ofri Bibas, Yarden's sister stated.

 Israelis pay respect at a memorial set for the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, in Tel Aviv, February 22, 2025

'Unbearable pain': Israel reacts to return of slain hostages, Hamas's withholding of Shiri Bibas

Kibbutz Nir Oz calls for "release not revenge"; Finance Minister Smotrich calls for Hamas’s annihilation; Aryeh Deri calls to strike Hamas with "an iron fist."

Israelis hold a sign honoring the Bibas family, in northern Israel, February 20, 2025

Super grandpa and lifelong peace advocate: Family mourns slain hostage Oded Lifshitz

"He dedicated his life to helping others," the Hostage Family Forum said, adding that "his grandchildren called him 'Super Grandpa' for his wisdom and love."

 Sharone Lifshitz with her father, Oded.