What Happened:

Yuval Haran revisited the charred remains of his familial home in Kibbutz Be’eri, a stark testament to a violent attack by Hamas terrorists that left over 100 dead and many abducted, including seven of his family members.

Why It Matters:

The attack not only claimed lives but also shook the sense of safety and community in the kibbutz. Family members were forcibly taken to Gaza, and as they return, the Haran family’s struggle symbolizes the broader fight for normalcy and a resolution of the ongoing conflict.

The Extent of Tragedy:

Yuval’s father, Avshalom Haran, was among those murdered on October 7 during the Simchat Torah holiday weekend. In the carnage, Yuval’s aunt, uncle, and his uncle’s caregiver also lost their lives, while Yuval’s mother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, and cousin were all abducted.

The House Now Silent:

Yuval recalls the house full of life, now reduced to rubble, with kitchen appliances barely identifiable amid the destruction. A temporary ceasefire has seen the release of six family members, but Yuval’s brother-in-law remains captive and his family’s fate remains in the balance.

The Personal Toll:

The attack has left the Haran family’s spirit impaired, with the immediate future of their return to Kibbutz Be’eri uncertain. Yuval’s parents, both of substantial contribution to the community, are remembered for their legacies, with his mother’s humanitarian work and his father’s role in local business and economies.

Aftermath and Advocacy:

Yuval, becoming the face of his family’s plight, has committed to advocacy, drawing attention to their story and the impact on the tight-knit kibbutz community. With a home once brimming with hospitality and warmth, now lying in ruins, Yuval and his family face the daunting task of piecing together their lives post-tragedy.

A Community Shattered:

Every home in Be’eri housed a familiar face, and now, many of those homes stand empty. The shared grief at the loss of life and security runs deep through the community, leaving them to wrestle with the devastating dissonance between their tranquil past and the brutal present.

Looking Toward the Future:

Yuval and his family now reside in Herzliya as guests while grappling with decisions about returning to Be’eri. The kibbutz’s character, with its sculptures of founders and well-kept grounds, persists despite the tragedy, but whether its inhabitants can recover their former sense of home remains to be seen.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.