The Yam Suf Hotel in Eilat has become a temporary home for 160 kibbutz members of Nir Oz since their evacuation following a terrorist attack on October 7. The attack by Hamas terrorists claimed lives, destroyed property, and took nearly 80 people hostage. The kibbutz members have been emotionally scarred by the horrific experience, and many of them struggle to find peace as they gather in the hotel lobby till the early hours of the morning, unable to sleep. They refuse entertainment and seek quiet, preferring the hotel’s proximity to the beach as a source of solace. The hotel staff has accommodated the kibbutz members by allowing them to bring their pets and stay together as a group during this difficult period. For now, the hotel staff and IsraAID humanitarian workers are focusing on providing essential support to the displaced residents as they look to find stability and heal from their traumatic experience. The kibbutz had a unique botanical garden which was largely destroyed in the attack, and the hotel community continues to face the weight of their loss. Their future remains uncertain, and the hotel’s efforts underscore the importance of community support and solidarity in times of crisis.
