Grief and Resilience Mark Shavuot Celebrations in Northern Israel’s Kibbutzim

Spring Returns Amidst Loss

As spring arrives in the Kibbutzim of Nitzan Oz and Nir Yitzhak, the landscape remains vibrant with lush fields and agricultural activity. Yet, this season comes tinged with the profound absence of two community members, Tamir Adr and Tal Hayimi, who were lost during the recent conflict. Their families and neighbors grapple with the duality of nature’s renewal juxtaposed against personal and collective grief.

Personal Stories of Loss

The Adr Family’s Heartache

Moshe Adr, Tamir’s father, reflects on his son’s deep connection to the land, describing Tamir as a vital part of the Kibbutz’s fabric. “Tamir was born in Nitzan Oz, a third-generation member,” Moshe shared. “He grew up working the fields, understanding agriculture from a young age.” For Moshe, each visit to the fields is a reminder of Tamir’s absence. “He is always missing. Every drive through the fields brings back memories; it’s an everlasting void,” he expressed.

This Shavuot, Moshe and his family will continue a tradition by taking to the tractor, reciting passages in memory of Tamir and all the victims and hostages from Nitzan Oz. “We do this for him. I hope he can see us from above and feel proud,” he added. The pain of Tamir’s loss is interwoven into the community’s sorrow, as there are still 14 hostages from Nitzan Oz whose return is eagerly awaited. “A deal is the only option. Everystart must come home. We need them back,” Moshe urged.

Tal Hayimi’s Family Perspective

Zamir Hayimi, Tal’s uncle from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, also conveys the emotional weight carried by his family. Coming from a lineage of Holocaust survivors who founded the Kibbutz in 1949, Zamir understands the fundamental link between land and identity. “I’ve been in agriculture since I was sixteen, for 40 years. We are deeply connected to the land,” he said. On October 7, during the attack, Zamir and his family sheltered in a safe room for 14 hours as danger loomed outside. Tal, who served as a command unit leader, disappeared, and it was only months later that family learned he was killed in action.

Zamir continues to advocate for the return of the hostages, stating, “It’s hard to be here with the hostages still unaccounted for. We are waiting for them. There is no peace without them.” Tal, a trained engineer, was always drawn back to the earth, working closely with children in the fields. “He always walked with his pocket knife and simple sandals. We feel his absence deeply,” Zamir recalled.

Community Resilience Amidst Grief

Despite the ongoing struggle, the Shavuot holiday continues in Nir Yitzhak. It will be led by Ella, Tal’s widow, who is recognized for her strength. “She is an incredible woman,” Zamir remarked, noting Ella’s determination to reinvigorate the community spirit.

The agricultural areas are still recovering, with fields beginning to yield new crops. “We are rooted in this land. It is our home. We will continue to cultivate and provide food security for the nation. That is our purpose,” Zamir asserted. While the festivities may not embody full joy this year, the farming community remains steadfast in its commitment to planting and nurturing their future.

Conclusion

The farmers of the border regions, deeply connected to their land, continue to work and remember their loved starts. They epitomize resilience by honoring their lost while asserting, “We are alive. We remember. We will not give up.