Four years after Operation Protective Edge, Israel's 2014 war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, it seems that contrary to all forecasts and despite the constant threat posed by terrorist groups in Gaza, Israeli residents of border-adjacent communities are showing no sign of faltering resolve or desire to leave.
In fact, over the last four years, the opposite has been true: Thousands of people, mostly from the center of the country, have relocated to communities near Gaza, of all places.
Israel Hayom spoke with several residents, and while many say tax benefits from the state play an important role in attracting families to the area, most if not all point to the added value the communities have to offer: supportive and diverse community life, a tight-knit network of neighbors, breathtaking nature and the tranquility that comes with it. Accordingly, waiting lists for housing in these communities are getting ever longer and there is currently none available to newcomers.
Over the past two years, some 270 million shekels ($75 million) have been invested in improving infrastructure in the area. Kibbutzim and moshavim have welcomed new families and this process will continue into the summer in the regional councils of Eshkol, Sdot Negev, Shaar Hanegev and Hof Ashkelon.
Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, which has a mixed religious-secular population, will welcome 30 new families over the next two years.
'An outsider wouldn't get it'
Lital and Moshe Ben-Ezra and their two children are planning to move to Kerem Shalom next month.
"My husband and I have always dreamed of living on a kibbutz," Lital told Israel Hayom. "After two years of searching, we came to Kerem Shalom and fell in love, mostly with the people. We are aware this is a sensitive area from a security standpoint and there is quite a bit of concern, but above all else, what's important to us is the Zionism. We're moving with pride to settle our country."
Yifat Ben-Shushan, a mother who lives in Netiv Haasara, described the unique quality of life the area offers.
"There's a super-supportive community here, quality education, nature and quiet, and personal security, despite our location on the border fence and despite the incendiary kite terror. An outsider wouldn't get it," she said.
"What you hear on the news is one-sided. Life here is good, let no one doubt that," Ben Shushan said. "I'm staying here for many, many years to come because I want to. Ever since Protective Edge things have happened around here, billions [of shekels] were invested in the security barrier and the communities' defenses. The kite terror will end one day."
