In the heart of Nahal Oz, something beautiful is taking shape. A quiet transformation is unfolding that reflects the spirit of renewal and community resilience. Once dark, dusty, and boarded up, the old kibbutz dining hall is stirring back to life, thanks to the vision and determination of one woman and the community she inspired.
From Abandonment to Action
Since October 7, the kibbutz has been a hub of volunteer activity. Dozens of people arrive each day to support in various roles including fieldwork, administration, and care work. Most return to nearby towns by evening. With meals arriving in trays from Ruhama and no central gathering point, the sense of togetherness that once defined Nahal Oz had become fragmented.
That was when Edna, one of the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus volunteers asked a simple question: “What about the dining hall?”
The hall had not been used as a kibbutz dining space since the privatization about 20 years ago. It had only been opened four times a year for holidays. The response was predictable: “It’s a lovely idea, but who would run it?”
The answer came without hesitation: “I will.”
Rebuilding a Space and a Spirit
It started with enthusiasm and a clear vision. What followed was a collective effort that speaks volumes about the soul of the community.
The building was in poor shape. Windows shattered from gunfire had been covered with wooden boards, and the interior was left dark and desolate. But step by step, that began to change.
With incredible initiative, Edna galvanized a group of people to act. The boards came off the windows. Temporary plastic covers were installed. Chairs and tables were donated. Cozy armchairs were collected to create a café corner within the hall.
A local business catering company, already familiar with the kibbutz kitchen from before October 7, agreed to cook hot meals at a fair price. This offered a fresh alternative to the food shipments from Ruhama.
And just like that, the pieces began to fall into place. A kitchen. A space. A community.
A Place to Meet Again
But this project is about more than food. It is about presence. It is about creating a space where people can see each other again, share a meal, exchange a story, and take a breath.
To ensure sustainability, the plan includes a daily registration for those entering the hall. This will allow meals to be tracked and charged appropriately. Edna estimates that around 100 people each day could gather for lunch.
The opening is scheduled for just after Passover, and the team is working hard to make it unforgettable. Giant flower planters have been ordered. Old photographs of the kibbutz are being gathered for display. The entire space is being carefully arranged to welcome guests with a true sense of warmth and belonging.
More Than a Dining Hall
The revival of the Nahal Oz dining hall is not just a logistical solution. It is an emotional milestone. It marks a return to shared space, shared time, and shared hope.
It is a place where community meets continuity. The old walls will soon echo once again with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of cutlery.
In the words of Edna, “I want the first time people come in to eat there to be wow.”
And by the looks of it, it will be.
