The event in Sufa was attended by Michal Uziel, Head of the Eshkol Regional Council; Orna Toeg, Head of the Scotland, Ireland, and South Africa Desk in KKL-JNF's Resource Development Division; Elisha Mizrahi, Manager of KKL-JNF's Friends of Israel Department; members of the Sufa community and kibbutz leaders.
Almost two years after their evacuation, members of Kibbutz Sufa have begun returning to their homes. In the midst of this homecoming, the community gathered to dedicate the new garden. For many, it was the first time since October 7 that they stood together again on kibbutz grounds. The dedication of the garden and the communal gathering marked an important step in the residents' return to life in Sufa.
Orna Toeg, Head of the Scotland, Ireland, and South Africa Desk in KKL-JNF's Resource Development Division, explained: "As part of KKL-JNF’s ongoing efforts to support the rehabilitation of the Gaza Envelope communities following October 7, JNF-KKL Scotland, together with its donors, initiated this project in memory of Bernard Cohen, z"l. The garden will help restore community life for the residents. In addition, JNF-KKL Scotland is advancing two further projects in Sufa: the creation of ‘Scotland Boulevard,’ a green and blooming artery within the kibbutz, and the environmental upgrading and development of Almog Garden.”
Amit Weitz, Community Director of Kibbutz Sufa, added: "After a long and difficult period, we are finally returning home, step by step. The return to Sufa is not only a physical return, but also a return to our shared life, our values, and the resilience that has always guided us. We will forever remember our friends who were murdered and fell in the horrific massacre, and their heroism until their last moments. We thank JNF-KKL Scotland for its contribution and look forward to a safe and peaceful return to a full and joyful life in the kibbutz.”