Some 600 cows have returned to Kibbutz Kissufim in the Gaza border region this week, nearly two years after the kibbutz’s dairy farm was destroyed in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Channel 12 News reported on Wednesday.
The cows are now housed in a newly built, state-of-the-art cowshed. The government spent approximately NIS 17 million on the project, including NIS 1.4 million from the Tkuma administration, allocated through the Agriculture Ministry.
The dairy farm was destroyed on October 9, 2023, after Hamas terrorists who had taken shelter there engaged in a battle with Kissufim's dairy manager, Reuven Heinick, and several workers. The confrontation ended when an IDF tank fired a shell at the cowshed, Maariv reported.
Since then, the herd was relocated to Gilgal, where it remained for nearly 21 months.
The rebuilt dairy farm is expected to produce nearly five million liters of milk annually, representing a 25% increase over its pre-war output.
Construction of a new facility at Kissufim included a modern 40-stall milking parlor, which has now begun operations.
Broad rehabilitation efforts underway at the kibbutz
In parallel, broad rehabilitation efforts are also underway at the kibbutz. The Reconstruction Administration has invested NIS 84 million in restoration work, which is expected to be completed by December. Kissufim residents are expected to return home at that time.
“The return of the cows to their barn in Kissufim is a symbol of the region’s renewal and resilience,” said Aviad Friedman, head of the Tkuma administration.
“Throughout this difficult period, the people of Kissufim have shown determination in preserving their daily routines and are now showing that same determination in rebuilding the kibbutz. The dairy workers are already back, providing milk and food for the residents of Israel."
"Soon, Kissufim’s residents will return as well, to live, grow, and help this region flourish,” he added.