Rebuilding Hope: A New Zealand Project for Israel’s Sde Nitzan Community

Volunteers from Israel and abroad, including David Kepes from Marlborough Sounds, NZ , have joined efforts to rebuild communities near Gaza, aiming to restore both physical infrastructure and hope. And New Zealanders are being asked to support this Initiative in southern Israel and help to recover the community from the October 7 Hamas attack.

David, a builder, chose to help Sde Nitzan, a small farming community just 7km from Gaza, founded in 1973 by immigrants, including some from New Zealand. Known for its lush fields, Sde Nitzan’s heart is its small park and swimming pool, a gathering spot for the community. However, it lacks proper facilities like showers, changing rooms, and a kitchen. The residents asked David to help build these, and he is now constructing the parts in New Zealand.

In January 2025, the completed components will be shipped to Israel, where David and a volunteer team will assemble the buildings. Meanwhile, children in Israel and New Zealand are designing motifs to decorate the structures, symbolizing the connection between the two communities.

David is seeking financial support from New Zealanders who value Israel and want to help, seeing this project as a meaningful way to provide support and show solidarity with Sde Nitzan’s residents.