The Path of Resilience: A Journey to the Gaza Envelope to Bear Witness and Remember
In the Jewish tradition, there is a concept known as Edut—bearing witness. It is the act of seeing with one’s own eyes, not just to acknowledge a tragedy, but to ensure that the truth remains an eternal flame. For our friends in the United States and the United Kingdom, a trip to Israel has always been a journey through ancient history. But in 2025, a new layer of history has been added—one defined by profound loss, but even more so by an unbreakable spirit of heroism.
A visit to the Gaza Envelope (Otef Aza) is today the most significant pilgrimage one can make. Whether you choose a private October 7th solidarity tour for a personal connection or join an organized mission to stand with others, this journey through the south of Israel is a transformative experience that bridges the gap between the headlines and the heart.
The Sacred Ground of the Nova Music Festival Memorial
Our journey begins at the Nova Music Festival memorial site in the Re’im Forest. On the morning of October 7th, this was a place of “Peace, Love, and Music.” Today, it is a sanctuary.
As you walk through the “Memorial Forest,” you see hundreds of poles, each bearing the face of a young person whose life was cut short while they were dancing. For visitors from London or New York, the sight is often overwhelming because the faces look so familiar—they look like our children, our siblings, our friends.
The site has been meticulously preserved by the families. You will see personal tokens—a favorite hat, a guitar string, a hand-written note—left at the base of the photos. To visit Nova is to understand the “Angel of Nova” spirit: the determination that even in the face of darkness, the music will not be silenced. In our organized group tours, we often hold a moment of silence or a communal prayer here, allowing the collective strength of the group to provide comfort.
The Heroism of Aner Shapiro: The “Grenade” Shelter
A short drive from the festival site leads us to a roadside bomb shelter (Migonit) that has become a site of world-renowned bravery. This is where the story of Aner Shapiro comes to life.
Aner, a 22-year-old Jerusalemite and off-duty soldier, found himself in this tiny concrete room with nearly 30 others, including his best friend, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. As terrorists began throwing grenades into the crowded shelter, Aner did the unthinkable. Standing at the entrance, he caught the grenades with his bare hands and threw them back out. He did this seven times. The eighth grenade took his life, but his actions saved the lives of seven people who emerged from that shelter.
When you stand inside that small, cold concrete space on a private guided tour, your guide will recount the minutes of terror and the seconds of absolute clarity and courage Aner displayed. It is a story that resonates deeply with the American and British values of “standing your ground” and protecting the innocent. Aner wasn’t just a soldier; he was a musician and an artist, a young man who chose to be a shield for others.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin: A Legacy of Global Hope
In that same shelter was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a name that became a household word across the US and the UK. Hersh, an American-Israeli with a gentle soul and a passion for soccer, sent two final texts to his parents: “I love you” and “I’m sorry.”
His story—from his abduction to the 11 months of agonizing hope led by his parents, Rachel and Jon—unified the Jewish world. On our educational tours to Southern Israel, we discuss Hersh’s legacy. He represented the “Everyman” of the diaspora—a boy who loved his roots and loved the world. Visiting the memorials dedicated to him is a way to honor the “Bring Them Home” movement that became a global cry for justice.
Seeing the tributes to Hersh in the south reminds us that this is not just an Israeli story; it is a global story of human rights and the endurance of parental love.
The Tkuma Car Memorial: The Silent Witness of Metal
Perhaps the most visual representation of the scale of October 7th is the Tkuma Car Memorial, often referred to as the “Car Graveyard.”
Here, over 1,600 vehicles—cars, ambulances, and motorcycles—have been piled into a massive, haunting installation. Some are riddled with bullets; others are nothing but rusted, melted frames of steel. These were the cars of the festival-goers and the residents of the kibbutzim.
The “Car Wall” at Tkuma is a staggering sight. It forces the viewer to confront the sheer numbers. But look closer, and you see the personal details: a child’s car seat in the back of a burnt SUV, a scorched book on a dashboard. On our private Gaza border tours, we allow visitors the time they need here. It is not a place to rush. It is a place to contemplate the fragility of life and the “Tkuma” (Rebirth) that must follow. The fact that the site is named “Tkuma” is no coincidence; it signifies that from these ashes, the State of Israel and its people are rising again.
Private vs. Organized Tours: Finding Your Path
:we offer two distinct ways to experience this journey, depending on your needs
Private Solidarity Tours
A private tour is designed for those who want a tailored, intimate experience. This is often the choice for families from the UK and US who want to go at their own emotional pace.
- Personal Connection: You are accompanied by a senior guide, often someone with a military background or a local resident, who can provide deep context.
- Flexibility: If you wish to spend two hours at the Nova site or visit a specific kibbutz like Be’eri or Kfar Aza to meet with a survivor, a private tour allows that level of customization.
- Emotional Safety: These sites are heavy. A private setting allows for open tears, deep questions, and private moments of reflection.
- Organized Solidarity Missions
Organized group tours are ideal for those who seek the strength of community. These are often structured as “Missions” for synagogues, churches, or community centers from abroad.
- Shared Witness: There is immense power in standing with 20 other people from your home city, sharing the same grief and the same inspiration.
- Meeting the Residents: Organized missions often include a “Resilience Lunch” in Sderot, where you sit with local business owners and hear how they are rebuilding their city.
- Impactful Volunteering: Many of our organized trips include a few hours of agricultural work, helping farmers in the Gaza Envelope harvest crops, turning your visit into a tangible act of support.
Sderot and the Kibbutzim: The Frontier of Bravery
No visit is complete without witnessing the resilience of the communities themselves. In Sderot, we visit the site of the former police station—a symbol of a battle that lasted for hours and saved the city. We look at the “Bomb Shelter Playgrounds,” where children play in reinforced structures—a jarring but necessary look at the reality of life on the border.
If security permits, we visit the gates of the Kibbutzim. These are not “ghost towns”; they are communities in the process of healing. Seeing the construction cranes alongside the memorial plaques is the ultimate testament to the Israeli spirit: We remember, but we also build.
Why This Journey is Essential for 2026
For travelers from the US and UK, your visit to the south of Israel is a moral stand
- Economic Support: Every cup of coffee bought in Sderot and every tour booked helps the local economy recover.
- Combating Denial: By seeing the Tkuma memorial and the Nova site, you become a messenger of truth in a world of misinformation.
- Connecting with the People: The residents of the Otef Aza tell us that the most important thing for them is knowing they haven’t been forgotten by the world. Your presence is their strength.
Logistics and Safety
We understand that safety is a primary concern. Our tours are conducted in full coordination with the IDF Home Front Command. Our vehicles are armored where necessary, and our guides are trained in emergency protocols. We ensure that every site we visit is cleared for civilian entry, providing you with peace of mind so you can focus on the emotional and educational journey.
Conclusion: From Tragedy to Triumph
The story of October 7th did not end on October 7th. It is a story that continues every day in the resilience of the survivors, the legacy of heroes like Aner Shapiro and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and the rebuilding of the Gaza Envelope.
When you return to London or New York, you won’t just bring back souvenirs; you will bring back a piece of the Israeli soul. You will be able to say, “I was there. I saw the forest of photos at Nova. I stood in the shelter where Aner saved lives. I saw the cars at Tkuma. And I saw a nation that refuses to be defeated.”
Join us. Bear witness. Be part of the rebirth.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting the Gaza Envelope in 2026
Below are the most common questions from our visitors from the US and UK regarding solidarity tours to Southern Israel.
- ?Is it safe to visit the Gaza Envelope and the Nova site right now
Your safety is our absolute priority. All tours, whether private or organized, are conducted in 100% coordination with the IDF Home Front Command and local security officers.
- Real-time Monitoring: Our guides are connected to live security networks.
- Safe Spaces: Every stop on our itinerary, including the Nova Memorial and Sderot, is selected based on the availability of nearby fortified shelters.
- Expert Guidance: Our guides are not just historians; many are veterans or residents of the area who understand the terrain and security protocols intimately.
- Is it “respectful” to visit these sites? I don’t want to be a “disaster tourist.”
This is the most important question we receive. In Israel, we do not view these visits as “dark tourism.” We view them as Bearing Witness (Edut).
- Community Invitation: Many kibbutzim and families of victims have specifically asked for these tours to continue. They want the world to see the truth and hear their stories.
- A Sanctuary of Memory: Sites like the Nova Music Festival memorial or the Tkuma car graveyard are treated with the same reverence as a cemetery or a memorial museum.
- Purposeful Travel: Your visit provides emotional strength to the residents and supports the local economy of the south. It is an act of solidarity, not curiosity.
- ?What about travel insurance for US and UK citizens
Standard travel insurance policies often have clauses regarding “Acts of War.” We recommend the following for our international guests:
- Health Insurance in Israel: Ensure your policy covers medical treatment within Israel. Many Israeli providers (like Harel or Menora) offer specific “Tourist Insurance” that covers local medical needs.
- High-Risk Coverage: For full peace of mind, some travelers choose “High-Risk” or “Specialty” travel insurance (such as High Risk Voyager in the UK) which specifically covers areas under travel advisories.
- Cancellation Policy: We offer flexible cancellation terms. If the security situation changes and we are forced to cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
- ?Can we visit the specific “Death Shelter” where Aner Shapiro was
Yes. Most of our private October 7th tours include a stop at the shelters along Route 232.
- Aner Shapiro’s Legacy: You can stand at the entrance of the shelter near Re’im where Aner heroically defended those inside. Many visitors find this the most moving part of the trip, as it represents the triumph of the human spirit over unimaginable evil.
- Hersh Goldberg-Polin: We also pay tribute to Hersh and the other hostages at these sites, discussing the global movement for their return and the resilience of their families.
- ?What is the “Tkuma Car Memorial” and can anyone visit
The car memorial in Tkuma is a restricted site. While individuals can sometimes view it from the perimeter, our organized missions and private tours include coordinated access that allows you to see the scale of the “Car Wall” up close. This is a vital stop for understanding the sheer magnitude of the events through the silent testimony of the vehicles.
- ?Are these tours suitable for children
Due to the intense emotional nature of the sites and the graphic stories shared, we generally recommend these tours for ages 14 and older. However, for private family tours, we can adjust the content and the depth of the stories to suit the maturity level of your children.
- ?How should I dress or prepare for the day
- Dress Code: We recommend respectful, casual clothing. Modest dress is not strictly required at the Nova site (as it is outdoors), but many visitors choose to dress as they would for a memorial service.
- Comfort: Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a hat and water, as the Southern Israeli sun can be strong even in the winter.
- Emotional Prep: This is a heavy day. We often schedule a “decompression” stop at a local café in Sderot or a viewpoint at the end of the day to allow for reflection and conversation.
?Why Book Your Solidarity Tour with Us
We specialize in bridging the gap for English-speaking visitors who want to connect with Israel’s reality. Our tours are more than a drive through the south; they are a bridge between the Diaspora and the heart of the Jewish people.
Contact us today to customize your Private Resilience Tour or join our next Organized Solidarity Mission.