Ofakim

Ofakim

A regional tractor station that became a transit camp in 1955. With state encouragement, factories were developed, and the place turned into a city. On October 7, 2023, at 6:45 AM, 22 Hamas militants arrived in two trucks. They entered through HaGoren Street and continued to HaKramim Street, and later to Tamar Street. In the neighborhood, there were protected spaces, and they mainly killed people trying to run to safety. Residents with weapons fought them on Tamar Street, most of them from the religious Zionist community "Ofiki Orot" nearby.

We visited  Rachel Adry Family Home –

At 09:06 in the morning, five militants took over the home of the Adry family, where Rachel and her husband David were staying at the time, and took them hostage as part of a bargaining terror attack. The militants were heavily armed, including grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, and an anti-tank missile.

In the police force that arrived to rescue the Adry couple was also their son, Major Evitar Adry, who briefed the fighters on the layout of the house. The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent Arkadi Shuster.

The militants held the house for 17 hours during which Rachel served them coffee, cookies, lunch, and canned pineapple and conversed with them. She went to the bathroom several times so that the police could see her, with one of the militants accompanying her each time. Additionally, she treated one of the injured militants. She discreetly signaled her son, the police officer, and the negotiators about the number of militants in the house (5) by using her fingers in a casual manner while holding her face, with one militant holding an uncooked grenade next to her head.

After the involvement of the police negotiation team, at two in the morning, the YAMAM (Special Police Unit) operatives stormed the house, eliminated the militants, and rescued the couple. Their son, Major Evitar Adry, had to wait outside during the rescue operation to avoid emotional involvement affecting the mission.

Total of 52 city residents were killed (35 civilians, 8 police officers, and 5 soldiers).

Some of the militants were found with maps indicating that they intended to reach the police station, but they came upon 241 and turned right at the first turn. They also arrived with a drone that they operated.

Reflections

Visiting the border villages in the Gaza Envelope post-October 7th was a powerful experience. It highlighted the human dimension of the conflict, far removed from the political and military narratives often portrayed in the media. The strength and resilience of the residents were truly inspiring, serving as a reminder of the enduring spirit of those living under the shadow of conflict.

Conclusion

As I left the Gaza Envelope, I was struck by the complexity and depth of the situation. The challenges faced by these communities are immense, but so too is their resilience. My visit reinforced the importance of understanding and supporting those living on the frontlines of conflict. Through their strength and determination, the residents of the Gaza Envelope continue to hope for a future of peace and security.