The “Bearing Witness” tour of the Gaza envelope offers a profound and reflective journey through sites impacted by the October 7, 2023 attacks and the ongoing conflict. This tour is designed for those seeking to pay respects to the victims and to gain insight into the complex realities of life in this region.
The tour begins in Sderot, often called the “Gateway to the Gaza Envelope.” Here, participants visit the former police station, now serving as a poignant memorial. The memorial site it built as an open garden and in its center is the “Pillars of Eternity” monument. It consists of 18 columns, 11 meters high, rising into the sky with a space in the center. The monument represents the firm stand and resilience of the community of Sderot. It is accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by local creators. The tour will also include a visit of a sheltered playground, and a viewpoint of Gaza.
From Sderot, the tour moves to the Nova Music Festival site near Re’im, a location that has become synonymous with the tragedy of October 7th 2023. The open field where young people once danced is now a place of solemn remembrance. Visitors can walk the grounds and observe makeshift memorials, flowers, and personal tributes. If available, a survivor or first responder shares their experience, offering a firsthand account that brings the events into sharp, human focus.
A central and emotionally charged stop on the tour is the Burnt Cars Display. Here, rows of charred and bullet-riddled vehicles stand as a stark, tangible reminder of the violence that unfolded. Each car tells a story – of escape, of loss, of lives forever changed. The guide provides information about the efforts to preserve this site as both a memorial and a historical record, encouraging reflection on the impact of conflict on civilian lives.
Although entry to any of the Kibbutzim is still not possible, the tour will pass by places like Kfar Aza and Kibbutz Be’eri. The guide will provide factual information while also creating space for participants to process their emotions and thoughts.
This “Bearing Witness” tour is emotionally challenging but deeply meaningful. It aims to foster understanding, empathy, and hope for a peaceful future in the region. By the end of the journey, participants gain not only a clearer picture of the events of October 7 and their aftermath but also a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
