Gaza border kibbutzim turn to swimming pools to rebuild community

Three years after the October 7 attacks, kibbutzim along the Gaza border are prioritizing the restoration of swimming pools as part of their rehabilitation efforts. According to Ynet, these communities are utilizing funds from the Tkuma Directorate to rebuild pools, which are now viewed as essential social infrastructure. Unlike the traditional kibbutz dining halls, which are often associated with heavy historical or traumatic memories, the pools provide a non-judgmental, informal space where residents can reconnect without the pressure of formal communal obligations. Architects and researchers note that these spaces allow for presence without the requirement of participation, serving as a vital bridge for families returning to their homes. In several instances, the pools were reopened before residents had permanently moved back, acting as a neutral ground for families to reacquaint themselves with their communities. Officials from the Tkuma Directorate emphasize that the decision to invest in these facilities was made by the communities themselves, aiming to connect physical reconstruction with the restoration of communal spirit. Notably, these areas remain free of memorial plaques or monuments related to the October 7 massacre, as residents prefer to keep the space focused on daily life and social interaction.