After decades of standing abandoned, the historic amphitheater in Gvar’am Forest is gaining new life. The site, which was once a regional cultural hub, has been reopened and will become the official memorial for the fallen of Operation Protective Edge — the first site of its kind established for the operation's casualties.
The project was led by the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet LeIsrael, KKL) through its Southern Division, together with the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council and the Tekuma Administration. The new site is designed to serve as an open public space with two main components:A restored amphitheater for cultural and community events with 1,400 seats, and a circular memorial area containing 68 memorial circles.
68 Oak Trees in Memory of the Fallen
Within each circle, an oak tree has been planted, one for each soldier who fell during the operation. Each tree will provide a personal space for reflection, through design elements chosen together with the families. Next to the circles, a commemorative wall has been established with the names of the fallen.
The site will also include a unique botanical garden based on local wild plants, including hairy beardgrass, creeping bramble, hairy willow, common broom, and other plant species chosen as part of the vision to combine remembrance with local nature, conveying a sense of continuity and life. Additionally, trees native to Israel will be planted throughout the area, and seeds of local wildflowers will be scattered.
The choice to establish the site specifically in Gvar’am Forest is intentional: the forest is located a short distance from the Gaza border, an area that endured heavy rocket fire during the operation. In this way, the location itself becomes an integral part of the story and the experience.
Operation Protective Edge, which broke out in July 2014, lasted about 50 days and was one of the most difficult and longest operations the Israel Defense Forces have conducted in the Gaza Strip. It claimed the lives of 68 IDF soldiers and five civilians.
"The True Victory – a Place Filled with Life"
Yifat Ovadia-Lusky, Chair of KKL, said: "The amphitheater inaugurated here, near the Gaza border, will carry the memory of the 'Operation Protective Edge' fallen. But more than anything — it will be filled with audiences, children, and families who come to celebrate and live life — and that is the true victory. This place will connect the story of those who fought for this land with the next generation that will continue to grow here. This has always been KKL’s mission — to build the land, plant forests, strengthen settlement, and ensure life here for generations to come."
Itamar Revivo, head of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, added: "For 40 years, nothing stood there to delight people. The reopening of the Gvar’am amphitheater is far more than a cultural event — it is a moment that connects past, present, and future. The renewed amphitheater will host moving events, performances, and community experiences, in the heart of the region’s stunning nature. But above all — it stands as a symbol of memorial and recognition for the IDF soldiers who fell during 'Operation Protective Edge.'"
Aviad Friedman, head of the Tekuma Administration, emphasized: "The reopening of Gvar’am Amphitheater symbolizes the rehabilitation and healing of the entire area after the events of October 7, and a reminder of the great importance of defending the right to live here with dignity, including culture, community, art, and more. The Tekuma Administration sees significance in investing in all aspects of life in the region, and we believe the amphitheater will become a hub for culture and tourism."
"A Living and Breathing Place"
Shmuel Lavi, father of Captain Liad Lavi, z”l, who fell in Operation Protective Edge, said: "My son went to fight for his home. For us, 'Operation Protective Edge' was not just an operation; it was a war for our existence, for our life here. In the 11 years that have passed since, the pain has not lessened, and we realized this is not a moment that will pass, but an ongoing reality. It was important to us to have a place that commemorates our loved ones — not just a quiet memorial site, but a living and breathing place that connects culture, nature, and remembrance."
The new site serves as a unique example of how remembrance can be combined with life, memory with culture, and past with future — all within a stunning natural complex that will serve as a community and cultural hub for many years to come.