KIBBUTZZ NIR OZ, Israel — Riat Aziri lost nearly everything on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists rampaged through this kibbutz, less than three miles from the Gaza border fence.
The terrorists killed her husband, Aviv Atsiri, and her dog, Levi. They ransacked her house, set it on fire, and took her away as a hostage.
But Atsiri said he was determined to return to his home kibbutz despite the devastation and proximity to the Gaza Strip.
38 residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz were killed. 75 people were kidnapped in this attack. In total, one in four residents were killed or taken hostage, making the kibbutz one of the most devastated communities after the terrorist attacks.
“I believe it's really, really important to reinvigorate this place. I think it's a kind of victory for Hamas not to do that and to come back and live here.” said the American-Israeli with family ties to New Jersey.
“That's because of myself, Aviv, and the other people who died protecting this place…I think that's what they wanted. So I'm very passionate about it.”
Atsiri was held captive for six weeks as part of the first hostage deal before being released. She said her captors treated her reasonably well.
The history teacher remains optimistic that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be resolved.
“I don't think we have a choice,” she said. “In fact, there are 14 million people living here between the river and the sea, but none of them are going anywhere, so we might as well find a way to live together.”
More than a year later, Atsiri's home and dozens of local residents remain in ruins. Her own home was heavily damaged in the fire, but she believes it can still be repaired.
To rebuild Kibbutz Nir Oz, parts of it must first be destroyed. Homes that are damaged beyond repair must be demolished in order to rebuild new homes.
The first demolition in the community was scheduled to begin Thursday. Atzili expects it will be at least a year before rebuilding can begin.
Atsiri and other displaced people from the kibbutz live together in Kiryat Ghat, about 60 miles north. Some survivors don't want to return to their beautiful little kibbutz, which has a botanical garden and a few peacocks roaming around.
They feel that no amount of new buildings will erase this tragedy from the village, but they still don't know where their new home will be.
“There are a lot of people in the community who are not interested in returning. They don't feel like they're being given a civil solution as to where they're going to live long-term,” Atsiri said.
Residents of the kibbutz had previously agreed not to take action on demolition or reconstruction until the first anniversary of the attack.
The kibbutzim has not yet determined the fate of some homes, such as the home of the Shiman Tov family, all of whom were huddled in a safe room when Hamas massacred them.
Their house remains intact, although the tiled roof has caved in. Inside, some remnants of life there remain, including a metal menorah in a destroyed window sill and children's toys in the front yard. The vault where they died still stands, but it is pitch black due to smoke and fire damage.
“Something happened to the whole family. Jonathan and Tamar were shot through the door of the safe room and died from their wounds,” she said. “Their three children suffocated from smoke inhalation when the house was set on fire.”
Atsiri said the community is debating whether to clean up and leave the house as a monument to a devastating loss, but a vivid reminder of the hellish scene that took place a little more than a year ago. There are some people who don't want it.
“A lot of people know the story and want to see the house,” Atsiri said.
For Atsiri, it's important to return to the community her husband died trying to protect. He was one of three local responders who confronted a horde of young terrorists who unleashed evil on the small kibbutz.
“I would love to come back and live here,” she told the Post. “But not everyone feels that way, and that's very understandable, especially people who have young children.”
