Remembering October 7, 2023
Gaza Border Region
Visiting the Gaza Envelope
October 7, 2023, is a solemn day in Israel’s history. On that morning, Hamas terrorists crossed the border from Gaza into Israel and carried out a large-scale assault, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking nearly 250 others hostage. Visiting the Gaza Envelope — the communities along Israel’s border with Gaza — means confronting the weight of that day. It isn’t a typical sightseeing visit. It’s an encounter with places where lives were shattered, and where resilience continues to shine. As an Israel Tour Guide, I’ve created this page to share meaningful places you can visit in the Gaza border region, arranged from north to south. The first part highlights sites connected to October 7, followed by additional landmarks nearby. These places tell a story that is difficult, but also deeply human — a story worth seeing, remembering, and honoring.
NETIV HA'ASARA
This small moshav sits just north of the Gaza border, overlooking the edge of the Strip. Before October 7, it was known for its “Path to Peace” mosaic wall — a community art project symbolizing hope. On that morning, Netiv HaAsara was among the first places attacked. Today, a Memorial Garden stands in honor of the twenty residents who were killed there on October 7th, featuring a tall Israeli flag and olive trees planted for each of the victims. Read more …
SDEROT
Only a kilometer from the Gaza border, Sderot has long stood as a symbol of courage under fire. On October 7, 2023, dozens of terrorists stormed the city, and fierce fighting surrounded the Sderot Police Station, later rebuilt as a memorial. Visitors can also stop at the Gaza lookout and the fortified children’s playground, both vivid reminders of life lived on the front line — and of the community’s unbroken spirit. Read more …
KIBBUTZ KFAR AZA
Among the hardest-hit communities on October 7, 2023, Kibbutz Kfar Aza became one of the main symbols of that tragic day. Dozens of residents were murdered, and many homes destroyed. Visiting today requires coordination and permission, as the site remains under recovery. Guided visits offer a respectful opportunity to hear personal stories and witness the remarkable courage of those rebuilding their lives. Read more …
IDF OBSERVERS MEMORIAL
This memorial honors the young female IDF observers who were stationed along the Gaza border and lost their lives on October 7. They were among the first to identify the infiltration and alert their units. The site serves as a quiet place of remembrance, recognizing their bravery and the crucial role they played in those critical moments. Read more …
TKUMA BURNT VEHICLES LOT
Near Kibbutz Tkuma, this open lot holds hundreds of burnt and bullet-riddled vehicles collected from the scenes of October 7, 2023. Many belonged to festivalgoers escaping the Nova site or residents fleeing nearby communities. The silence here is striking — every vehicle tells a story of courage, chaos, and loss. The site stands as one of the most powerful visual reminders of that tragic day and of Israel’s resilience in its aftermath. Read more …
SHUVA ACHIM SOLDIER REST STOP
At Shuva Junction, between Sderot and Netivot, the Shuva Achim Soldiers’ Rest Stop offers a warm refuge for soldiers serving in the Gaza border area. Run by volunteers, it provides food, coffee, and heartfelt support to troops rotating in and out of the field. Since October 7, 2023, it has become a symbol of unity and gratitude — a small roadside haven that reflects Israel’s enduring spirit of care and solidarity. Read more …
NOVA FESTIVAL MEMORIAL SITE
Near Kibbutz Re’im, this open field was the site of the Nova Music Festival, where over 360 young people were murdered on October 7, 2023. Today it has become a living memorial, covered in photos, flags, flowers, and personal tributes left by family and friends. The atmosphere is quiet yet powerful — a place of collective grief, remembrance, and unity that draws thousands of visitors seeking to honor the lives lost. Read more …
DEATH SHELTER - RE'IM JUNCTION
Located near Re’im Junction, this small roadside shelter became a desperate refuge for festivalgoers fleeing the Nova attack on October 7, 2023. Trapped inside, many were murdered as they tried to hide. The structure, still scarred by bullet holes, now stands untouched as a place of mourning. Visitors often leave flowers, candles, and flags here — silent gestures of remembrance for the lives lost in this haunting, powerful spot. Read more …
BABA SALI TOMB
The Baba Sali Tomb in Netivot is one of Israel’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Baba Sali, a revered Moroccan-born rabbi and kabbalist, is remembered for his wisdom and blessings. The tomb attracts people from all walks of life who come to pray, light candles, or simply absorb the spiritual atmosphere. It’s a place of faith, humility, and quiet strength. Read more …
ROCKETS TO ROSES
In this small workshop in Moshav Yated, artist Yaron Bob turns pieces of exploded rockets into beautiful metal roses and menorahs. His project, “Rockets to Roses,” transforms symbols of destruction into messages of hope. Visitors can meet the artist, see his creative process, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs that carry a story of resilience and peace from Israel’s southern border communities. Read more …
UGDAT HAPLADA MEMORIAL
The Ugdat HaPlada Memorial honors the soldiers of the IDF’s Steel Division (Ugdat HaPlada) who fought in Israel’s past wars defending the southern front. The site features a tank monument, engraved plaques, and an open view toward the Gaza border. Today, it stands not only as a tribute to fallen soldiers but also as a reminder of the long struggle for security and peace in Israel’s south. Read more …
THE SALAD TRAIL
Located near Talmei Yosef, the Salad Trail is an interactive agricultural experience showcasing Israel’s innovation in desert farming. Visitors can pick fresh vegetables, taste herbs and berries straight from the hothouses, and learn how farmers make the desert bloom. This uplifting visit contrasts the region’s difficult past with the living promise of growth and renewal. Read more …
Israel Beyond
The Headlines
Traveling through Israel’s southern frontier is more than geography — it’s an encounter with history, resilience, and reality. As your Licensed Israel Tour Guide, I lead Private Geopolitical Tours that bring modern Israel’s story to life — from past wars to today’s security challenges and the communities living along the Gaza Border. These journeys offer depth, context, and respect — connecting what you see on the news to the people who live it. Click “Book Now” to plan a meaningful Private Israel Tour that helps you understand this land in full.