A group of 25 young South African Olim, including Telfed’s SASI (South Africans Studying in Israel) scholarship students, embarked on a deeply moving and meaningful tour of Kibbutz Be’eri and the Nova site, locations tragically affected on October 7th.
The group was guided through Kibbutz Be’eri by Natasha Cohen, a former South African who made Aliyah at the age of 20. Now a long-time resident of the Kibbutz, Natasha has raised her family there and remains deeply connected to the community. On October 7th, she tragically lost five close friends, including Leanne Sharabi, wife of Eli Sharabi, who was held hostage in Gaza for 491 days.
Natasha led the group through homes that were attacked, where residents were either kidnapped or brutally murdered. Today, only 60 of Be’eri’s 350 families have returned to live in the Kibbutz. The majority still reside in temporary accommodations in Kibbutz Hatzerim, unable to return just yet.
Among the stories shared was that of Vivianne Silver, a well-known peace activist and advocate for women in Gaza, who was murdered that day. “After October 7th,” Natasha said, “no one remains innocent.”
The visitors also learned about Maayan and Yuval Bar, who were murdered in their home. In the ruins, their children have placed family photos and signs that read, “In this house lived happy, loving people.”
Another story that deeply moved the group was that of Ayelet and Meni Godar, also killed on October 7th. Their adopted son, living in the youth dormitories on the opposite side of the Kibbutz, biked home that morning, covering his face with a bandana. Mistaken for a terrorist by other attackers, he was able to reach his parents’ home safely – but found them already gone. He survived, but with unimaginable grief.
Despite the pain, Natasha delivered a powerful message of hope and resilience: Be’eri will be rebuilt. The community is planning for the future and is committed to never leaving their home.
The group then continued to the site of the Nova music festival, where SASI coordinator Yael shared the heartbreaking story of Amit Levy. Amit and her twin sister Shir hid in a garbage container for hours with others before Amit was tragically killed by a terrorist.
The group walked among dozens of memorials marking the lives of young people who simply came to dance and celebrate life – but were instead met with brutal violence.
As the bus made its way back, one young South African Olah took the microphone and expressed what many were feeling. Reflecting on the stories of loss, bravery, and survival, she reminded her peers that their journey as Olim is part of the broader story of Jewish resilience. “By making Aliyah,” she said, “we are part of the story. We are in the right place.”