ICEJ Supports Evacuated Jewish Families in Israel with Gift Packages

By: Nativia Samuelsen, ICEJ AID Administrator

On October 7, 2023, a miraculous event unfolded at Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha. Shiri Aviv, a member of the kibbutz board, explained: “75 terrorists entered the kibbutz fields but were left exposed because farmers had just harvested the grain a few days before. A helicopter saw them and neutralized them, preventing further ambushes. If those terrorists had entered the kibbutz, most of the community would not be here today.” 

However, despite this intervention, four people from the kibbutz were tragically murdered, and approximately 16 houses were burned down. Some homes were riddled with bullet holes, while others sustained damage from rocket fire in the following days. Because the community is located right on the border with Gaza, it was especially vulnerable, and looting followed the devastation. 

The ICEJ Steps in to Help Evacuated Families in Israel

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is honored to support this community, which, after spending several months living in hotels in Eilat, was relocated to Netivot in the fall of 2024 until they can move back to Ein HaShlosha. During a recent trip to Netivot, an ICEJ team visited the displaced Ein HaShlosha community to deliver special gift packages for the Tu B’Shvat holiday. 

ICEJ Vice President for AID and Aliyah Nicole Yoder said: “These gifts are an expression of love to let the people know that they are remembered in these challenging times. Each comes with a gift card and a blessing to let them know that they are not alone. Over the past year, we’ve been able to give over 1,000 gift packages to in various evacuated families from kibbutzim in Israel, including Nir Oz, Re’im, Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Nachal Oz, and Ein HaShlosha, due to the generosity of Christians in Singapore.” 

While in Netivot, in addition to Shiri—who is the acting community coordinator—we met Yael Sherby-Hurwitz, another team member helping evacuated families from this kibbutz in Israel recover. Yael shared that 92 percent of the community is living in the temporary neighborhood: “The kibbutz community is strong, and living together restores a small sense of normality, despite the transition from a rural environment to a larger city.” 

With the community together, they have been able to reestablish routines and create group and individual therapeutic activities so that healing can happen individually and collectively. A favorite has been art therapy, which has become so popular that the kibbutz is considering opening a dedicated art therapy house once community members return home. These creative outlets support them in processing their trauma. 

*Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President for AID & Aliyah*, *holding a gift package.*

New Challenges 

As the time for these evacuated families in Israel to return to their kibbutz draws closer, new challenges arise. Shiri shared that many families have grown accustomed to the sense of safety as well as the conveniences of city life in Netivot. The kibbutz board, alongside the government, is actively working to support their transition back home in the coming months. Shiri said there are many arrangements to be made like setting up more streetlights: “At first, you might think it’s not urgent, but for them, many children since October 7 are afraid of the dark and, therefore, don’t go out at night. So, accommodating these needs is a major priority.” 

Yael expressed the community’s appreciation in a letter to the ICEJ: “On behalf of the members of Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the wonderful gift boxes you personally delivered to our community members. The people of Ein HaShlosha, who have experienced so much trauma, have not yet been able to return home since the October 7 massacre. However, your kindness and generosity have brought warmth and comfort to them, and we are truly touched by your support.” 

*Community members receive the gift packages.*

Shiri’s Survival Story 

Shiri’s survival story on October 7 is extraordinary. For 36 agonizing hours, she hid with her children as terrorists roamed outside her home. Then, by a miracle, the terrorists suddenly left. When help finally came, she did not pause to grieve or crumble—she simply washed her face and has been leading the community support and resilience efforts ever since, using her strength and courage to bring hope and healing to the community. 

She continued, “Gestures like yours remind us that even in the face of hardship, we are surrounded by compassion and solidarity. Your generosity has made a real difference, and we are thankful to have you standing with us.” 

As Ein HaShlosha residents prepare to return home, their story of bravery continues to shine through. The ICEJ is privileged to stand alongside this community and is committed to helping Israelis in need during these challenging times.

Support our Israel in Crisis fund today.

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