KIBBUTZ MANARA, Israel – Nestled in northern Israel, Kibbutz Manara’s location puts it in close proximity to the Lebanese border, leading some patrons at a local pub to joke darkly about how Hezbollah militants could potentially observe them enjoying snacks while they drink their beer.
The close range has rendered Manara extremely vulnerable during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in significant damage from rockets and explosive drones that have rendered many homes uninhabitable. This small community, consisting of about 300 residents, became a symbol of the high costs of war, as the government evacuated approximately 60,000 people from border towns during the ongoing conflict.
Despite a fragile ceasefire that has been largely maintained, tensions escalated recently when a 60-day period for Israeli and Hezbollah withdrawals from southern Lebanon expired. Health officials in Lebanon reported that at least 22 individuals lost their lives due to Israeli fire during protests aimed at reclaiming their villages. While Israel has indicated an intention to withdraw, officials maintain that the process will take additional time.
For residents of northern Israel, particularly those from Kibbutz Manara, returning home is fraught with uncertainty. Many are unsure when, or if, they will be able to return to their ravaged communities. Most families who were displaced have not yet come back to their homes.
In some locations like Manara, those who have made their way back face nearly uninhabitable conditions, with homes burned and devastated. Rebuilding is expected to take years.
Igor Abramovich, who chose to stay during the conflict, remarked on the need to assess what can be repaired and how preparations can be made for the next round of conflict, indicating a belief that violence is likely to return.
All homes located on the ridge facing Lebanon suffered major destruction from missile attacks that left significant structural damage. Given the kibbutz’s vulnerable position, just 70 meters from the border in some locations, firefighters often found themselves unable to respond effectively, watching through security feeds as flames engulfed properties.
Hezbollah commenced its bombardment of Israeli border areas on October 8, 2023, immediately following a deadly attack by Hamas that launched hostilities in Gaza. In a swift response, Israel evacuated not only Manara but numerous towns and communities along the border.
The consequences of the war also hit Lebanon hard, with over one million people displaced, and reconstruction efforts expected to take years. Countless ruins of former residences dot the towns along the border.
The impacts of Hezbollah’s rocket assaults resulted in 77 fatalities in Israel, mostly among civilians, while air and ground campaigns carried out by Israel led to over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including many civilians.
Israel has framed the return of evacuated residents to their homes as a key objective in its war against Hezbollah and has promised incentives to lure them back. However, the return has been sluggish, largely due to residents’ skepticism regarding government assurances about their safety, coupled with the extensive work that lies ahead to rehabilitate their communities.
The remote kibbutzim, like Manara, are often subject to harsh winds and occasional snowfall, making them attractive to a resilient, tight-knit population that has historically contributed to the Israeli pioneer spirit. Once, these kibbutzim played a vital role in safeguarding Israel’s borders against threats from neighboring states. These concerns resurfaced with the Hamas aggression, leading authorities to anticipate a similar threat from Hezbollah.
This latest war served as a stark reminder of the importance of these border communities and the necessity of their continued viability to prevent a central collapse within the national fabric.
Many residents of Manara are determined to restore their homes despite the challenges.
“It’s truly a tangible matter; they long for the familiar air here,” shared Orna Weinberg, 58, who has spent her life in the kibbutz. Although displaced to a nearby town, she regularly coordinated with military officials to return to assist other evacuated residents with salvaging personal items and preserving the kibbutz’s archives during the conflict.
Weinberg is now actively involved in the rehabilitation efforts, both in terms of physical restoration and emotional support for fellow residents. Along with Abramovich, she spends considerable time assessing the kibbutz’s financial losses and infrastructure damage, which includes essential services like gas, water, and electricity.
Out of a total of 157 homes in Manara, 110 were reported damaged, with 38 completely destroyed. The structures facing Lebanon witnessed devastating destruction, whereas the houses in the direction of the valley and Kiryat Shmona sustained damage but may be repairable. Initial estimates for rebuilding the kibbutz are projected to exceed NIS 150 million (approximately $40 million).
Hagar Erlich, 72, a resident whose father helped found Manara, noted the peculiar discussions surrounding the damage, pondering over whether it’s better to have partial or total destruction. Meanwhile, the kibbutz is eager to reopen its nursery school by September 1, believing that attracting young families back is vital for the community’s future.
To date, no residents have signaled intentions to relocate permanently. The Abramovich family plans to be the first to return in February, symbolizing hope for the community’s revival.
“It’s difficult for people to vocalize that they won’t come back,” Erlich added, indicating a collective sentiment to avoid asking such questions.
Residents are even considering moving forward with a pre-war proposal for the construction of 92 housing units, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.
Signs of renewal are already emerging; in late December, around 50 residents came together to work on the community garden, a traditional gathering space for the kibbutz. While older members cooked, children enthusiastically cleared the garden, signaling a slow but promising revival.
“It was the first occasion since the war began that I heard laughter and conversation resonate through the kibbutz,” reflected Weinberg. “That’s what feels like home.”
