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Important update on the development of the educational complex at Kibbutz Be’eri, a project that is not just about construction, but about healing, rebuilding, and returning life to a devastated community.
Important update on the development of the educational complex at Kibbutz Be’eri, a project that is not just about construction, but about healing, rebuilding, and returning life to a devastated community.
The funds raised will make a real and lasting impact, with every contribution directly allocated to the rebuilding of the kindergarten at Kibbutz Be’eri, a powerful symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope.
The reconstruction of the kindergarten is more than just a building project. It represents the commitment of the people of Be’eri to raise future generations in their rightful home, where they belong. This restoration, made possible in large part thanks to your generosity, signals a powerful message: that Jewish communities around the world stand together in times of tragedy and recovery.
While the Israeli government has provided some assistance, it has not been enough to meet the scale of devastation the community faces.
In the meantime, a temporary “pop-up” kibbutz has been created in Hatzerim, where many residents of Be’eri now live. However, this is not a permanent solution.
Families simply cannot return to Be’eri until the educational infrastructure is restored. The new kindergarten and wider educational complex are essential for life to resume in the kibbutz.
WHY THIS REBUILD MATTERS
Kibbutz Be’eri, founded in 1946 and home to 1,200 residents, has long been a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Nestled less than four kilometres from the Gaza Strip, Be’eri thrived for decades through its printing press, dairy farming, orchards, and above all, its commitment to raising children at the heart of kibbutz life.
That all changed on 7th October 2023, when Be’eri became one of the hardest-hit communities during the atrocious Hamas attacks.
- Over 102 civilians were murdered — nearly one-tenth of the population.
- Twenty-six residents were taken hostage and five remain in captivity in Gaza.
- The kindergarten was invaded and used as a terrorist base.
- All educational facilities — including nurseries, schools, and playgrounds — were either destroyed or left unusable.
This destruction left a gaping hole in the kibbutz. While older residents and young adults have begun to return, families with children cannot come back without functioning educational infrastructure.
Thanks to your support, the rebuild of the new kindergarten can begin, marking the first step in restoring that base and bringing families back to Be’eri.
PROJECT OVERVIEW & TIMELINE
Planning for the educational complex is actively underway. Following requests from the Ministry of Education, the design is being revised, and construction and refurbishments began in late August 2025, lasting approximately 12 months. Completion is targeted for the end of 2026, ahead of the anticipated return of families in Q1 2027.
Floor plan of a Be’eri kindergarten unit, including infant and toddler classes, shelter, and essential facilities
ARCHITECTURE & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- The overall masterplan was developed by leading architectural firm ODA.
- A project management company has been hired to coordinate the work and execute the detailed plans
Visualisation of the new Be’eri kindergarten — a nurturing space designed to feel like a home, not a classroom
SCOPE OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX REBUILD
Once finished, the new Education Complex will serve 350 children from birth to 18 years old, including six kindergartens for ages 0-6, each accommodating 30 children (totalling 180). The space will also support after-school programmes for children of working parents. The design of the kindergarten is warm and modern, more like a home than a traditional classroom – a clear signal of the fresh start Be’eri is working toward. Classrooms will feature large windows, welcoming natural light and creating a bright, nurturing learning environment.
This is the creation of a vibrant educational hub, forming the beating heart of a revived community. Key components include:
- One new purpose-built kindergarten, designed for age specific groups.
- Two refurbished kindergartens, with high spec and age-appropriate design
- A grassy area for children to ride tricycles, bounce balls, and relax with their parents.
- A community garden and playground, connected to open green space.
- An afterschool centre for primary school and Bnei Mitzvah-aged children.
- A pedestrianised educational zone with science gardens, a rope-adventure garden, a skate park, and sports areas.
Be’eri’s floor plan of the Kindergarten now in need of rebuilding
SCOPE OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX REBUILD
The cost of building the kindergarten has increased significantly since our initial appeal due to rising material costs and the complexity of the design. UJIA has worked closely with the Kibbutz to secure match funding from the government for the kindergarten rebuild, enabling us, together with the US, to extend our support to the wider educational complex in this year’s appeal.
This approach ensures a sustainable and impactful use of funds, allowing UJIA’s remaining contribution to support other vital buildings and services within the complex. A large share will still be directed to the kindergartens, while the rest will enhance the full range of facilities needed to serve returning families.
LOOKING AHEAD
Your support has already made an enormous difference. You are helping to re-lay the physical and emotional foundations of a community that was nearly destroyed. Through your generosity, we are not just rebuilding structures — we are looking to the future.
We will share updates with you as construction begins and hope you will continue to support this crucial rebuild project, ensuring a bright future for all the residents of Kibbutz Be’eri.
As a representative of Kibbutz Be’eri recently said:
“We want to be stronger, bigger and better than before – the best Kibbutz ever built in Israel. This is a long-term relationship – UJIA and the diaspora are family.”
At UJIA, we are proud to be part of that family. But the journey ahead remains long – and we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting so we can help Kibbutz Be’eri not only recover, but thrive once more.
Donate now