A Glimmer of Hope Amidst New Challenges: Israeli Survivors in Eilat Strive Forward
Amidst the bustling dining hall, dread fills the air as the red alert alarm resounds Memories of the terrifying Hamas attack on October 7 resurface, scattering children in fear Hope remains elusive for Israeli survivors in Eilat, facing a new threat
In the bustling hotel dining hall, a red alert alarm sent the children running in fear, haunted by the memories of the devastating Hamas massacre on October 7.
Having escaped the attacks on the Israeli kibbutzim, countless families find themselves without homes, seeking shelter in hotels along the picturesque shores of Eilat, a Red Sea resort town. However, their struggle continues as they now confront a fresh danger posed by the Iran-backed Houthis, a militant group.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a 60-year-old resident of the Nir Oz kibbutz, expressed surprise at the notion that Eilat, the southern tip of Israel, would be immune to attacks. He revealed that they have already experienced warnings and experienced the impact of missiles and attack drones originating from the Houthis in Yemen.
Lately, the Houthis have taken responsibility for multiple missile and drone attacks on Israel and have even issued warnings of additional strikes. To counter these "aerial threats" in the Red Sea area, Israel has deployed its Arrow defense system and jets.
On February 11, 2022, in Talibeh, Jordan, a sign displaying UNRWA's lettering is seen at the girls' school located in the Talibeh refugee camp. The camp is managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Foreign Minister Baerbock paid a visit to the refugee camp and school on Friday as part of her trip to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, and Egypt. The photograph captures the moment and is credited to Fabian Sommer/dpa (Photo by Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images).
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Video shows dozens of bodies after alleged attack at UN-run school in Gaza
A suicide drone landed on a school near the hotel in Eilat on November 9, causing alarm. Fortunately, there were no children present in the building at that time. The Houthis initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but Israel later stated that the drone had originated from Syria, where it targeted a location in retaliation.
Dekel-Chen commented on the distressing situation, expressing that the repeated alerts have been incredibly dreadful. The fear of death experienced by children of all ages, from young ones to teenagers, was evident in their eyes.
In addition to confronting the ongoing danger, the residents who have been displaced are also laying their deceased family members to rest and advocating for the release of their loved ones who are being held captive in Gaza. The family of Dekel-Chen, whose 35-year-old son Sagui went missing on October 7, suspects that he was abducted by Hamas.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen holding a poster of his missing son, Sagui Dekel-Chen.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
"Its excruciating," Dekel-Chen said. "We dont know if hes healthy, or wounded. We know nothing⦠Hope is hard to come by right now."
Dekel-Chen is currently assisting in the care of his two granddaughters and his pregnant daughter-in-law, who is expected to give birth to their third child soon.
In response to the attacks on October 7, Israel initiated a war against Hamas. The country has been launching airstrikes, land attacks, and naval assaults on Gaza, while also carrying out a ground offensive that began in late October. Israel claims its focus is on targeting the Hamas leadership and the network of underground tunnels. However, the impact on the Palestinian civilian population has been devastating. Over 12,000 people have been killed, and at least 30,000 have been injured. Additionally, numerous hospitals are unable to operate due to a fuel blockade.
The global outcry and appeals for a cessation of hostilities in the face of the escalating humanitarian crisis have clashed with Israel's unwavering stance that the release of Hamas-held hostages is a non-negotiable condition for any ceasefire to materialize.
Hotel of horrors
Around 160 survivors from Nir Oz currently reside in the Isrotel Yam Suf hotel in Eilat, an idyllic setting that offers breathtaking views of the beach and the rust-colored mountains in Jordan, just a short distance away across the narrow Gulf of Aqaba. However, the serenity of this location is marred by the harrowing accounts of terror shared by the inhabitants. According to residents, over a quarter of the kibbutz's population of 400 individuals were either killed or abducted, making Nir Oz one of the kibbutzim most severely impacted by such atrocities.
And 12-year-old Uri Barr doesnt have enough fingers to count the number of his friends who were taken.
Yonathan Barr and his 12-year-old son, Uri, on the beach in Eilat.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
"Wow, that's a sizable number," Uri exclaimed with wide eyes, realizing that his family was acquainted with at least 20 individuals who had fallen victim to kidnapping, 12 of whom were innocent children.
For six long hours, Uri, along with his youngest brother Noam, aged 8, and their parents, sought refuge within the secure confines of their home's safe room. In hushed silence, they anxiously waited as a horde of Hamas militants methodically combed through each neighborhood, ruthlessly executing inhabitants and setting their dwellings ablaze.
Uri, speaking to CNN beside his father Yonathan, whispered, "My dad informed me that Hamas had infiltrated our home, so we had to remain silent." He continued, "I could hear them yelling loudly in Arabic."
Reflecting on the terrifying ordeal, Yonathan recounted, "We could hear the sound of our house being forcefully invaded and vandalized, as they relentlessly attempted to breach the door of our secure chamber." He further added, "Their aggression extended to firing projectiles at neighboring homes and subjecting innocent civilians to grenade attacks."
The Barr family were lucky to have a safe room which locked from the inside. Most of the residents didnt, as the shelters were designed for protection from Hamas rockets.
Yonathan and Uri Barr's house, safe room where they hid with lock on door.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
During the prolonged hours confined in the room, Uris primary worry was his younger brother, Yoav, aged 10, who had spent the previous night at a friend's house for a sleepover.
"It was a horrifying experience," Yonathan expressed, "Uri was weeping in the secure room due to that."
Yoav's host family also managed to survive in their secure room, and the Barrs were eventually reunited later that day with the assistance of the Israeli military.
"I completely fell apart at that moment," Yonathan shared. "(Uri) mentioned that it was the first instance he witnessed me in tears."
Uri's primary concern now is his dear friend Eitan, who has been seized by Hamas. "He is an incredibly close friend, and we used to play football together in the kibbutz," Uri shared, expressing his intention to embrace Eitan warmly if he manages to escape from his captors.
Uri attempts to distract himself from the absence of his friends by engaging in sports and indulging in aquatic activities. While he has grown accustomed to the sound of missile alerts due to his age, he observes that younger children often experience panic upon hearing these warnings.
Uri Barr and his friend, Eitan.
Courtesy Yonathan Barr
Nir Adar, a 35-year-old resident of Nir Oz, remains calm when the alarms sound, as he wants his two young daughters to feel secure in their surroundings.
"They observe everyone panicking and fearful, and it has a significant impact on them," Adar explained.
Adar and his two daughters, Noga, aged 6, and Rani, aged 4, managed to survive the events of October 7 by seeking refuge in their secure room. Due to the lack of a lock, Adar used his full strength to tightly grip the door handle, preventing it from being easily opened. According to Adar, the terrorists forcibly entered his home and fired approximately 10 bullets towards the safe room door, all while he held onto it. Miraculously, the bullets failed to penetrate the door.
The communitys WhatsApp group chain from that day, now posted online, shows the abject terror the residents were experiencing, minute-by-minute.
Security footage from Nir Oz on October 7.
Courtesy Kibbutz Nir Oz
Adar sent urgent messages in a state of panic while observing his phone battery deplete rapidly. To keep his daughters at ease, he resorted to narrating enchanting tales and concocting a fictional scenario involving a fallen tree, to provide an explanation for their confinement.
"My daughter inquired if there were soldiers encroaching upon our dwelling, and so I assured her that indeed soldiers were present, safeguarding us," he recounted. "I endeavored to construct an alternative realm for them."
When they finally stepped out of his residence in the late afternoon, Adar became aware that his sibling's house, a mere 20 meters away, had been intentionally set on fire.
His brother, Tamir, who was 38 years old, had been forcefully abducted by Hamas, while his spouse and children managed to evade captivity. However, Adar harbors concerns that even if Tamir has survived up until now, he will likely remain trapped indefinitely.
He expressed concern about the possibility of the men being left behind, as the negotiations for the release of hostages are currently prioritizing women and children.
Adar shared that his nieces and nephews are finding it difficult to handle the absence of their father. "It's particularly challenging for them, especially during the nighttime," Adar explained. "They are frequently inconsolable and longing for his presence."
The Nir Oz community in Eilat recently united in the hotel lounge for a heartfelt singing session. During the event, surviving children held up posters of their beloved family members. A touching video shared with CNN captured a poignant moment when a young girl, clutching a photo of her father, broke down in tears, raising it as high as her tiny arms could reach.
Additionally, Adar received distressing news that his 85-year-old grandmother had been abducted by Hamas. Adar expressed concern for her well-being, emphasizing her sickness and the urgent need for medication. Sadly, he is uncertain about her chances of survival.
Nir Adar says his grandmother, 85, is among those kidnapped by Hamas.
Courtesy Nir Adar
We were abandoned
Prior to October 7, Nir Oz was described as a flourishing and harmonious community in the midst of the desert, comparable to a paradise. However, following the devastating Hamas attack, the kibbutz now resembles a desolate and ravaged landscape, according to Dekel-Chen.
Currently, the majority of the kibbutz stands abandoned, with only a few remaining locals entrusted with the task of salvaging valuable items and personal belongings. Their responsibilities include securing the houses by boarding them up, as well as ensuring the safety of the damaged water pipes and electricity cables.
During the six-hour ordeal at Nir Oz, in addition to the up to 200 Hamas attackers who swarmed the area, numerous unarmed individuals took part in looting properties. CCTV footage, provided by the kibbutz management to CNN, reveals numerous young men making off with bicycles, often riding on one while carrying another to maximize their stolen loot.
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Father and son who survived Oct. 7 attack share their story
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In the face of mounting frustration among Israelis regarding their government's shortcomings, Dekel-Chen, a native of Connecticut, recently traveled to the United States. His purpose was to participate in a march in the capital and engage in meetings with White House officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. The objective of these interactions was to advocate on behalf of the hostages' families.
"We will need generations to truly address this as a nation, not solely due to the immense failures of our government and military on that day, but also because of the lasting consequences resulting from the inflicted harm," Dekel-Chen expressed.
"We were deserted when we needed help the most."
The government has informed the residents of Nir Oz that it will take three years to rebuild and prepare the kibbutz for their return. However, the emotional wounds from that day will require much more time to heal, and several families have expressed to CNN that they have no intention of returning.
On November 18, 2023, families of Israeli hostages detained by Hamas in Gaza demonstrated their plea for the release of their loved ones by marching to the Knesset in Jerusalem. Showing their support, the demonstrators held Israeli flags and displayed photographs of the hostages.
Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel contends with multiple challenges as demands increase for the release of hostages. Yonathan Barr expressed his reluctance to return to Nir Oz due to the traumatic experience: "The horrors we endured have shattered the sense of security and comfort in our own home. I refuse to subject my children to that again."
"The state must ensure the safety of its citizens, and if it fails to do so, it breaks the contract with its people," Adar declared. "How can anyone reside here without feeling secure?"
As they strategize their future actions, the families cling to the belief that remaining as a unified community in Eilat will aid their healing journey.
"Children display remarkable resilience when they are supported by love," remarked Dekel-Chen. However, he added, "The majority of them experience intense fear when they are separated from their parents by more than a few feet. They are exceedingly wary of unfamiliar sounds and strangers."
While the families are currently undergoing psychological therapy and the children are involved in a kids club, it is concerning for the entire community that they have not been able to attend school for the past month, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about their future.
The families are primarily focused on mourning their loved ones and rescuing the hostages. "Our main objective is to ensure the return of our people," Yonathan emphasized. "Their presence is crucial for us to feel complete once more."
