As we approach the anniversary of October 7, CBE member Nogah Rotstein offers this reflection on her cousins, Gali and Ziv Berman, who were taken hostage from K’far Aza nearly a year ago. Gali and Ziv turned 27 in captivity last month.
Gali and Ziv. Taken by their friend Shani, who notes: This photo was taken on a trip we took at the end of high school before the army, with the whole group from the kibbutz. It was taken in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain.
CBE’s Relationship with K’far Aza
Together the CBE community has raised $300,000 to support our sister community in Israel. Our contributions have supported the members of K’far Aza in the following ways:
- Supplemental therapy sessions for all ages
- Additional educators for youth after-school programming
- Summer programs for three age groups
- Scholarships for vocational training and professional development for now unemployed young adults
- A liaison provided and trained by NGOs aimed at guiding social change
There is still much work to do. Donations are still greatly appreciated and being put to immediate use.
In addition, many people from K’far Aza were taken hostage on October 7. Some came home. But these members of the community are still being held by Hamas:
Keith Siegal, Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari, Gali and Ziv Berman.
Our CBE community is holding Keith, Doron, Emily, Gali, and Ziv in our prayers.
We pray for their safety, we pray for their health, and every day, we pray for their safe return.
Learn more about K’far Aza and our partnership
While on a summer 2024 mission to Israel with the American Conference of Cantors, Cantor Breitzer visited Kibbutz K’far Aza. He bore witness to the aftermath of the October 7th massacre and met Shachar, who as the first resident to return after October 7th has made it his life’s mission to rebuild the kibbutz. “When we think about the future, we have to find a better way to bring peace to this area,” Shachar said. “We need a leader who understands about peace, and so do they. After so many years of war, it’s about time.”
For years, the Kutz family of K’far Aza organized an annual kite festival near the border fence between Israel and Gaza, as a symbol of hope for peace. In 2023, the kites were supposed to fly on October 7th, Simchat Torah. A few hours before, Hamas terrorists invaded the kibbutz, and murdered all five members of the Kutz family. Now, members of K’far Aza are continuing to fly kites in honor of the Kutzes and in the spirit of peace. Watch the short film above to see the kites and learn more.
The poster where CBE members signed their support arrived safe and sound in K’far Aza
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined CBE to share stories of her powerful visit to K’far Aza in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7th,
and to reflect on antisemitism and Islamophobia in NYC today
On March 25, 2024 at Hotel Shefayim in Israel, members of K’far Aza held a Purim carnival.
Thanks to your generous donations, CBE partially sponsored this event, bringing some much-needed joy to our sister community.