The last hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz was returned on October 31. During the weekly assembly on Saturday evening, the authorities decided to close part of the tragic chapter that tied the town to October 7.
“We will still continue to stand by the families who are also waiting for the end of their circle,” said the kibbutz spokesperson in a statement.
Bnei Avital, a member of the kibbutz emergency squad, said, “Over the last two years, I have only focused on bringing everyone back home, fighting for the return of every hostage. I couldn’t even process the death of my eldest brother."
“I went back to reserve duty and took part in the current operation to bring back Nir Oz’s hostages, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Ariel, and David Cuneo, and the rest of the fallen. Now that they are all back, I feel like I’m closing a circle.”
Avital, who served in the same squad as slain hostages Tal Haimi and Col. Asaf Hamami, also considers that their return serves as a closure moment for his brothers in arms: "Escorting Tal to his grave in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak was one of the most powerful moments I have felt in the last two years. Today, I understand firsthand the meaning of returning all the fallen."
“The day after the rest of the living hostages returned, I felt like I could finally breathe a sigh of relief, and [former hostage] Sagi [Dekel-Chen] felt like he was being released again,” said Avital Dekel-Chen, father of the mentioned freed hostage.
“While everyone is starting to rebuild, to turn to a new page, many families still haven’t finished this chapter. Time continues to tick by, and they do not see the finish line. They are afraid of being left alone in waiting and anticipation while others have moved forward,” he added.
Nir Oz ‘an example of hope’ for community rabbi
“You are for me an example and a model of the hope that we can have together, despite our differences of opinion. The way in which you are conducting your determined struggle is noble and inspiring,” said Rabbi Reuven Netanel, a rabbi from kibbutz Shomriya.
“The blood bond that was forged between us is a bond that will not be untied. It is a bond that will continue forever. We will meet at your celebrations for the restoration of the kibbutz in Nir Oz and visit our friends, each one wherever he is, wherever he decides to build his home. We will forever remain a family,” he concluded.