Kibbutz Nir Oz

Middle Israel: Three years after October 7, Israel faces choices over remembrance, rebuilding

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


'Sharp, gifted musician': Who was Gadi Haggai, the hostage returned from Gaza captivity?

Haggai and his wife had been out walking early on October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked them.

Gadi Haggai against backdrop of Kibbutz Nir Oz. (illustration)

IDF retrieves bodies of hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai, husband Gadi Haggai from Khan Yunis

Nir Oz couple taken hostage on Oct. 7, bodies returned in Khan Yunis operations • Families: Hearts not whole until all hostages come home

Judith Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai. (illustration)

WATCH: Loved ones call for hostage David Cunio's release on his second birthday in Hamas captivity

Cunio was kidnapped along with his brother Ariel. The Cunio family said that they received a sign of life from David back in February.

 David Cunio

Sasha and Elena Troufanov: Hostages' story of faith and survival - opinion

Sasha and Elena Troufanov's harrowing account of survival and a profound reflection on human strength, faith, and the bonds that hold us together.

 Former hostage Alexander Sasha Troufanov spoke publicly for the first time on March 1, 2025

Netanyahu planning to attend Beitar-Hapoel Beersheba final, denounced by Kibbutz Nir Oz

The State Cup Final, this year played between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Beersheba, will take place at Bloomfield Stadium. It is usually attended by the Israeli President, not the Prime Minister.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President of the South American Football Association (CONMEBOL) and FIFA Vice President, Alejandro Domínguez at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. September 7, 2023.

The factory that was brought back together: Nirlat’s moving campaign

The paint company Nirlat, whose factory was completely burned down in Nir Oz, is launching a new campaign that showcases the company’s recovery after October 7.

 Nirlat

Where is gov't? October 7 survivors, freed hostages ask state comptroller

One fourth of the kibbutz were either killed or kidnapped on October 7; of the 59 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, 14 are from the Nir Oz.

 State Comptroller Matanyahu Engleman meets with members of Kibbutz Nir Oz on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Douglas Murray sets the record straight on Oct. 7, Israel-Hamas War - review

Rank hypocrisy is par for the course because double standards are as routinely applied to the Israeli-Arab conflict as Jews are labeled 'Zionists' so they can be safely demonized by their vilifiers.

 A toy lies in front of a house in Nir Oz ahead of the first demolition of a building since the October 7 massacre, to make way for the rebuilding and renewal of the kibbutz, in December

Former hostage Sagui Dekel Chen sings at Tel Aviv national memorial concert

The event was held at the Sportek in Ganei Yehoshua Park in Tel Aviv in the presence of Mayor Ron Huldai.

  Sagui Dekel Chen sends message to the remaining hostages, February 15, 2025.

Golani Brigade rescues dog kidnapped from Nir Oz on October 7

Billy, a three-and-a-half-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was found near Rafah, and was revealed to be from Nir Oz when she was brought to Israel for treatment.

 Aviad Shapira, the Golani reservist who found Billy.