Terrorists murder foreign students in Kibbutz Alumim

On October 7, 2023, a tragic attack occurred in Kibbutz Alumim, Israel, where terrorists from Gaza killed 22 out of 24 foreign student workers from Thailand and Nepal. The victims were involved in a program run through universities in their home countries, where they received academic credits for their work in Israel. Following the attack, the community faced immense sorrow, and on February 13, 2024, members of Cross River Bank alongside kibbutz members honored the fallen students by lighting candles in remembrance. Local and national officials, including diplomats from Thailand and Nepal, participated in memorial ceremonies to honor the victims. The attack was characterized by a brutal and swift assault on the kibbutz, where the terrorists initially faced difficulties entering the area due to the rapid response of defenders. An attempt to ram a rigged Hamas pickup truck into the kibbutz was thwarted by Israeli troops. Despite the challenges, the assailants caused significant devastation. Among the victims were students who had established bonds within the community. The tragedy left two survivors who managed to hide from the attackers, showcasing the chaos and fear that unfolded that day. In the aftermath, the community took steps toward healing and rehabilitation. Surviving community members and new foreign students from Nepal and Thailand have joined efforts to rebuild and restore Kibbutz Alumim. The kibbutz managed to preserve a portion of the structure that still bears the scars of the attack, serving as a reminder of the brutality that transpired. This act of remembrance and rehabilitation reflects not only the resilience of the kibbutz but also the stronger bonds formed within the community as a result of shared grief and determination. The memorial events signify an unwavering commitment to remember the lives lost and to ensure that despite the indifference often shown to the victims, their dreams and legacies continue to inspire hope and recovery. Members of the community expressed a deep sense of connection to the victims, indicating their collective desire to support the integration and rehabilitation efforts in the kibbutz, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience amidst the aftermath of the tragedy.