Preserving Heritage and Memory – written by Aviva Kogus – (This project is led by Nirit Shalev-Khalifa, who works at Yad Ben Zvi and joined our program in the Eshkol group. Aviva will be one of the five people joining Nirit, who is the leading and most experienced expert in the field).
As part of the Elul Shnat Sherut 50 Plus, a few volunteers will be working under the Eshkol Regional Council’s Department of Commemoration and Heritage. This year-long project, will be headed by Yad Ben Zvi and focuses on documenting and preserving the rich heritage and the traumatic histories of communities in the Gaza Envelope, with a particular emphasis on the tragic events of October 7th, 2023.
Our Work in Nir Oz and Beyond
Our volunteers will collaborate with experts from Yad Ben Zvi to document heritage collections and trauma artifacts in the local communities, starting with kibbutz Nir Oz. These small communities have endured unimaginable losses, and our project aims to ensure that their stories, memories, and artifacts are meticulously recorded and preserved for future generations.
A Special Mission: October Memorials and Digital Commemoration
In October, our teams assisted in organizing three memorial events and the establishment of a digital memorial site dedicated to the victims of the October 7th massacre. This includes the distribution of New Year’s gift packages to the families of those who were murdered or kidnapped.
Why This Matters
Our volunteers, who bring with them high motivation and life experience, are uniquely positioned to contribute to this delicate and essential work. By preserving the stories and memories of those who have suffered, we are not only honoring their lives but also ensuring that these histories are not forgotten.
Moving Forward with “Eretz Chefetz”
The “Eretz Chefetz” initiative is a vital part of our broader mission to serve and heal the communities of the Gaza Envelope. As our volunteers document these poignant histories, they also participate in a larger narrative of resilience, recovery, and the enduring strength of community.
