Kibbutz Nir Oz reaches deal with state for $95 million plan to rehabilitate community

The management of Kibbutz Nir Oz has reached an agreement with the state for an NIS 350 million ($95 million) plan to rehabilitate and develop the community.

The plan is expected to be approved in the coming days by the kibbutz members’ assembly.

The kibbutz was largely destroyed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists entered all but six of some 100 homes in the small community and either murdered or kidnapped one of every four residents — 117 people. Of those abducted, 14 are still being held in Gaza.

Nir Oz is the last of 13 communities to agree on a rehabilitation plan with the Tekuma Directorate and the Finance Ministry. Among other things, the plan includes building a new neighborhood and community infrastructure, and supporting long-term rehabilitation processes.

Tekuma Director Aviad Friedman says, “Kibbutz Nir Oz is the core of the events of October 7, was hit the hardest, and is entitled to recognition, healing, and significant treatment.”

He adds that he hopes a cornerstone can be laid at the kibbutz for new construction on Independence Day on May 1.

“The people of Nir Oz who choose to return and build their homes are people driven by purpose and we need to give them the tools,” he continues. “This is a step that strengthens trust, and the issue of trust is the central and most important issue.”

“Along with this, we are also aware of the complexity that exists for the community members who are unable to return,” he adds.

Surviving members of Nir Oz are currently living in the Karmei Gat neighborhood of Kiryat Gat.