Six months after fleeing their home on a kibbutz in northern Israel due to fears of a possible Hezbollah attack following the Hamas assault, Yulia Bar-Dan returned to gather her belongings in just one hour. The kibbutz, once home to nearly 300 people, resembled a war zone when she arrived, with explosions heard and no electricity in her house. With a flashlight, she collected what she could in a trash bag, including finding their cat alive, before a Hezbollah missile struck her house shortly after she left, adding to the 75% of kibbutz structures in the north damaged by relentless bombings.
Since Hezbollah joined the conflict in support of Hamas on Oct. 8, over 7,500 rockets have been launched into Israel from Lebanon, resulting in casualties, evacuations, and significant damage to communities in northern Israel. The decision to evacuate most northern communities was made by the residents themselves out of fear of Hezbollah’s plans to invade the Galilee region. Naor Shamia, a resident of Kibbutz Manara, leads the rapid response unit to defend against potential terrorist threats and rocket fire, with the kibbutz being at high risk due to its proximity to Lebanon.
Established in 1943, the kibbutz economy relied heavily on agriculture, including vineyards, orchards, and poultry farming, all of which have suffered significant damage from the ongoing conflict. Yulia’s husband’s aluminum business was also destroyed by a missile strike, and he now serves in the rapid response unit. Despite the constant threat of drones and missiles, residents like Yulia refuse to leave their homes and remain determined to rebuild and protect their community on the border, as they feel a sense of responsibility to stay and defend their land.
The ongoing conflict has caused devastation in northern Israel, with residents living in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. With thousands of rockets launched and significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, the situation remains dire. The government’s slow response and lack of action have left residents feeling abandoned and unsupported in their efforts to protect their homes and communities. The toll on human life, economy, and daily life in the region is significant, with the constant threat of violence creating an atmosphere of tension and fear.
Despite the challenges and dangers they face, residents like Yulia remain steadfast in their commitment to their homeland and community. The sense of duty and determination to defend their land against outside threats drives them to continue living in a state of war-like conditions, with children having to spend hours in shelters due to missile fire. The resilience and courage of the people living in these northern regions of Israel are highlighted as they refuse to give up or abandon their homes, even in the face of ongoing conflict and devastation.
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues, the situation in northern Israel remains unstable and volatile. The ongoing attacks and threats from Hezbollah pose a significant risk to residents, who continue to face the challenges of living on the border with Lebanon. Despite the destruction and uncertainty, the residents of these communities remain resolute in their determination to defend their homes and rebuild their lives, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Israeli people in the face of adversity.
