Como ela, milhares de israelenses estão se voluntariando para substituir os trabalhadores tailandeses e palestinos que foram expulsos após o massacre. As autoridades israelenses revogaram os vistos de entrada de milhares de palestinos da Cisjordânia e da Faixa de Gaza que trabalhavam na agricultura.
Enquanto o governo israelense promete “aniquilar” o Hamas e lança campanhas de bombardeio, diversas pessoas foram mortas e outras sequestradas. No kibutz Nir Oz, cerca de 30 pessoas foram assassinadas e 70 dos 400 moradores foram feitos reféns, incluindo aproximadamente 15 trabalhadores tailandeses.
Despite the violence, dozens of volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 60, continue to work at the farm, sleeping on site and helping to take care of 600 dairy cows. The grounds are littered with used cartridges and broken glass, remnants of the October 7th attack. The frequent sound of rockets being fired from Gaza and the explosions have become a test of their resilience.
The dairy production in the border regions near Gaza has currently fallen to 60% compared to pre-war levels, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. With the agricultural farm labor crisis caused by the revocation of work permits for Palestinians, the ministry also expects a decrease in winter crop production.
The real challenge, according to Israeli economics professor Elise Brezis, is to “have secure borders that allow the resurgence of the kibbutzim.” Through volunteer efforts and enduring hardships, the kibbutzim are making strides towards recovery and rebuilding the once-thriving agricultural communities that contribute to less than 2% of the Israeli GDP.
In a demonstration of patriotism, many Israelis see farm work in the southern border region as a duty, despite its small contribution to the national economy. The resilience and dedication of volunteers like Haike Winter demonstrate the spirit of solidarity and unity as they work towards the resurgence and rebuilding of the kibbutzim communities.
