To the honor of the community administration and the members of Nir Yitzhak,
My name is Liath Aharon Gura. In 2014, I made Aliyah with Garin Tzabar, and fortunately, they brought us to live in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. There, I met the amazing people of the kibbutz—lively, beautiful, and full of love. You provided a home for over 20 lone soldiers. It wasn't a joke. When we missed our families, you were there for us, taking care of us, feeding us, and even doing our laundry! You gave us a warm, loving, and supportive home.
Ilan, Mai, and Sahar took care of us every day. You gave us adopted families so that we would never be alone. It is a source of pride for me to say that I was part of your kibbutz—a place filled with an atmosphere of love and joy.
In 2015, my Garin and I, Garin Eitan, initiated a project and raised funds to build a new club in the kibbutz for the members and the future generations of the kibbutz to use.
As you know, in 2014 there was Tzuk Eitan, so it wasn't easy or pleasant for anyone. Despite that, you welcomed us with open and warm hands.
For me, it was challenging. To wake up in the middle of the night to sirens, with the entire floor shaking, doors opening and closing, and a loud boom in the background. A feeling of helplessness. You know it much better than I do.
And I didn't handle it well. I started getting sick, shaking uncontrollably, having sudden panic attacks during the day, and even fainting. Ilan, our "Dad," took care of me all the time. He would wake up in the middle of the night, ask my "sister" (sorry) to check on me, lift me when I was convulsing, and hold my hand when I trembled. Ilan looked out for me, and I will never forget it. So, we thought I was sick. Today, I understand that it was extreme anxiety attacks from the feeling of not having control during the alarms.
To begin to imagine the difficulty and fear you are feeling, I cannot. Trying to understand the emotions you are going through is impossible to describe. And I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Every person living in Nir Yitzhak is important. Every life matters.
It's important for me to let you know that you are not alone. I am here in Los Angeles, seeing and hearing you. I stand with you, crying out for help. You are not alone. I will always be grateful for the home you gave me, and I will always take care of you, just as you took care of me.
My nucleus and I are working hard to raise as much money as possible to help bring light back to the kibbutz. I know that money is not everything, and it won't bring back those who are no longer here. But I will always do what I can for you. The world sees and hears you and wants to help.
I love you, I pray for each and every one of you for brighter days and better lives. I am always here for anything you need.