Civilians thwart massacre at kibbutz during terrorist invasion

On October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel, Kibbutz Erez faced a significant threat as over two dozen terrorists attempted to infiltrate the community. The emergency response teams from Kibbutz Erez, supported by residents from neighboring Kibbutz Or Haner, played a crucial role in repelling the attackers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) provided limited assistance, as a tank that arrived initially was ordered to aid another kibbutz and was hit by anti-tank fire. In the face of this crisis, local civilian defenders, adequately equipped and trained, quickly organized to safeguard their community. Under the leadership of Ben Sadan, many residents, armed and trained, set defensive positions, successfully preventing terrorists from breaching kibbutz gates and averting a potential massacre. Tragically, one individual, Maj. (res.) Amir Naim, was killed during the intense fighting that lasted nearly three hours. As the situation unfolded, Chava, who was coordinating from Jerusalem, called for reinforcements from Kibbutz Or Haner. Their arrival around 8:45 a.m. was crucial, providing additional support to the beleaguered defenders. Utilizing drone surveillance, the defenders detected further attempted infiltrations and acted promptly to repel these threats as well. The first military units arrived only after the battle concluded, illustrating a significant delay in military response and raising questions about the effectiveness of the IDF's engagement strategies during the attack. Meanwhile, in the nearby moshav of Pri Gan, civilians and police officers similarly faced an onslaught from a smaller group of ten terrorists. Here, the response was marked by hesitation from IDF forces, who delayed their entry until the situation had de-escalated. Casualties included officers who bravely stepped in to defend the moshav, showing once again that local civilians took a leading role in defending their communities amid systemic failures in rapid military response. These incidents highlight the contrasting roles of civilian defenders against a backdrop of military inadequacy on that fateful day. The report emphasizes the critical importance of civilian preparedness and community solidarity in the face of threats, and it starkly contrasts with the military's performance in protecting civilians during the Hamas attacks.