Kibbutz Kerem Shalom | Gaza Envelope

The Human Wall That Held

The story of the Response Team fighters who defended their home, community, and country with their lives

8 Hours of Battle

14 Fighters

~100 Terrorists Stopped

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The greatest miracle we had was the manifestation of heroism. The understanding that we were alone and that if we didn't fight for our home – there would be no home.

Eliyahu Ben Shimol Security Coordinator, Kibbutz Kerem Shalom

The Story

Simchat Torah 5784

October 7th, 2023 – The Morning That Changed Everything

Amichai Witzen z"l

Yedidya Raziel z"l

Saturday, October 7th | 06:30

When the Sirens Sounded, They Were Already Ready

On the night of Simchat Torah, Yedidya Raziel stood at the center of the dancing circle singing "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live). Hours later, he and Amichai Witzen went into battle side by side – and fell as heroes.

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06:30 AM

Red alert sirens. The security coordinator realizes this is no ordinary incident and mobilizes the team.

07:05 AM

Perimeter fence breach. 14 fighters against dozens of terrorists.

10:15 AM

Combat helicopter arrives – the turning point in the battle.

2:00 PM

IDF forces arrive. The heroism of the response team fighters plus a handful of soldiers prevented a huge disaster.

Forever in Our Hearts

The Heroes of Kerem Shalom

Response Team members who fell defending their home

Sgt. (Res.)

Israel Amichai Witzen z"l

Age 33 | Married to Talia | Father of Tzur David, Uri, Kerem, Ruth and Shachar

Born in Psagot on Holocaust Remembrance Day. His name expresses the nation's revival. Studied at Alon Moreh and Har HaMor Yeshivas, served as a squad commander in Golani. Taught at "Halutzei Dror" Yeshiva and was a partner in building the shared life in Kerem Shalom. On Simchat Torah night, he danced with devotion, and in the morning went out to defend his home with supreme heroism.

"Make sure the children feel good and dance – today is Simchat Torah"

Sgt. (Res.)

Moshe Yedidya Raziel z"l

Age 31 | Married to Shira | Father of Tzuri, Taeer and Hadar

A social worker by profession, Yedidya combined contradictory traits in his character - a sense of humor and playfulness with seriousness and perseverance, a sharp fighter and a sensitive and caring social worker. He wrote a book of sermons on the Five Books of Moses according to the Abarbanel commentary. On the morning of October 7th, he was mobilized as a member of the response team - fought heroically and fell defending his home.

"I'm okay, everyone's okay!" – he shouted to his wife Shira through the window

They grew up together, studied together, built together, fought shoulder to shoulder, and fell together.
Their heroism saved the kibbutz and their memory will live forever.

Meet Our Heroes

Their Memory Compels Us to Continue

Amichai and Yedidya fell defending their home. Now it's your turn to help us strengthen the defense and continue their mission.

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Our Values

Community. Mission. Courage.

Defending Home

Kerem Shalom is the closest community to the Gaza border. We don't just live here – we guard the country's frontline. Every day is a mission.

United Community

Religious and secular, veterans and newcomers – all together. Our unity is our secret weapon. On October 7th, it proved itself.

Zionist Mission

To settle the Negev, guard the border, build a future – this is our mission. Continuing the legacy of the founders from 1956.

Constant Readiness

Our response team trains, prepares, and remains ready. Our doctrine: Strong military and strong community – together we prevail.

Together We'll Strengthen Our Defense

We need advanced security equipment, fortification of vulnerable points, and professional training. Every donation brings us closer to our goal.

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The Projects

Six Critical Projects to Strengthen Defense

Choose the path that speaks to you and help strengthen the defense of Kerem Shalom

🎯

Command & Technology

Operations center and advanced technology for control, monitoring, and early threat detection

2 Projects $450,000

🛡️

Equipment & Readiness

Advanced combat equipment and emergency systems for rapid response in any scenario

2 Projects $200,000

🏥

Medical & Firefighting

Medical and firefighting systems to save lives in any scenario - from combat injuries to fires

2 Projects $100,000

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Updates

What's New at Kerem Shalom

Updates on our activities, projects, and community

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Testimonials

Voices from the Field

"The greatest miracle we had was the manifestation of heroism. The understanding that we were alone and that if we didn't fight for our home – there would be no home."

"Yedidya's story of heroism gave us strength. He was so fast, he flew. They engaged in combat with the terrorists, which is why they didn't return to their wives and children in the safe room."

"We survived thanks to the heroism of the response team led by Security Coordinator Eliyahu Ben Shimol, and a handful of Nahal reconnaissance soldiers who fought inside the kibbutz for many hours."