By Marelinke van der Riet

In a heartwarming gesture of support, the Dutch branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem recently donated a ‘gymboree’ for the children of Kibbutz Alumim, one of the Israeli communities along the Gaza border assaulted during the October 7 terror rampage. This therapeutic playground is part of our broader initiative to support the healing of Israeli children traumatised by the ongoing conflict in the region.

Kibbutz Alumim sits less than four kilometers from the Gaza border, and is surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. It’s members are mainly observant Orthodox Jews, an exception to the surrounding largely secular farming villages. However, its residents have faced over two decades of repeated rocket barrages by Hamas in Gaza.

Then on October 7, 2023, just two days after an ICEJ delegation visited the kibbutz as part of our Feast of Tabernacles that year, it was invaded by terrorists in three separate waves. The defensive effort was led by 15 kibbutz members who bravely held off as many as 80 terrorists, even while some families had to spend up to 30 hours in their bomb shelters. Tragically, 12 Thai farm workers and 10 Nepalese agricultural students were killed during the assault, and one Nepali worker remains hostage in Gaza.

Despite this horrific assault on their community, approximately 85% of the kibbutz’s population has since returned to their homes, with around 370 people now living in the community.

In response to the psychological and emotional trauma caused by the events of October 7, Tamir Idan, the mayor of the region, in collaboration with the health department, launched an initiative to provide therapeutic playgrounds, or gymborees, throughout the Sadot Negev region. This initiative aims to support children as they work through the trauma of the conflict and begin their journey toward healing.

The new gymboree provided by ICEJ-Netherlands at Kibbutz Alumim is more than just a play area. It is designed to offer therapeutic support through professional therapists who will assist children in processing their emotions and trauma. The gymboree is also connected to a large library and will be accessible seven days a week to everyone in the community.

Representing Dutch Christians at the dedication, Jannie Tolhoek of ICEJ AID shared with kibbutz members how special it was for her to be there with them and expressed the hope that this gymboree would be a place of healing and joy for the children and families who would gather there.  

Chani, a teacher and manager of the center, expressed deep gratitude for the ICEJ’s support, saying she knew “it was given from the heart… We don’t take your care for Israel for granted.”

In addition to the gymboree, the ICEJ has been involved in providing protective shelters, fire fighting equipment, communication devices, paramedic packs and group trauma therapy for emergency responders in the Sadot Negev region. These efforts are part of a larger, ongoing mission to help those most affected by the extreme violence of October 7 to heal and rebuild their lives.

Nitai, a physical therapist and seasoned first responder for Alumim, shared his personal experience of the events on October 7.

“The hardest part is that you go out of your house, and you are already in battle,” he explained, recalling the chaos and fear of that day.

Nitai has taken up running as a means of coping with the trauma and proudly shared that he had recently completed the New York Marathon in November 2024, symbolising his resilience in the face of adversity. But it was his poignant reflection on the nature of this war with their Gazan neighbours that resonated deeply with all those present.

“If we stop the war, we will all be killed. If they stop the war, there will be peace,” he said.

The ICEJ’s efforts to provide emotional and psychological support to Kibbutz Alumim and other communities in southern Israel are part of a broader call for Christians worldwide to stand with Israel and support its people in their time of need. Through donations and prayers, we can all play a role in helping these communities heal and rebuild.

The road to recovery for Kibbutz Alumim and other affected communities may be long, but with the support of Christians like you, healing and hope are within reach. Together, we can make a difference.

If you would like to contribute to these rebuilding efforts in southwest Israel, please donate today at:  help.icej.org/crisis

Main photo: ICEJ staff pictured with members of the Kibbutz Alumim community at the ICEJ-sponsored ‘gymboree’.