Kfar Aza

Kfar Aza is a kibbutz in southern Israel located near the border with the Gaza Strip. A member of the Kibbutz Movement, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. The community was historically an agricultural settlement but has developed a mixed economy, including a significant plastics factory.

History

The kibbutz was established in 1951 by a group of Zionist pioneers, many of whom were Holocaust survivors from Romania and Hungary. Its name, meaning "Gaza Village," references its proximity to the city of Gaza. Throughout its history, Kfar Aza has been directly impacted by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, facing periodic rocket fire and infiltration attempts from the adjacent Gaza Strip. The community was significantly involved in the Gaza–Israel conflict and was a frequent target during military escalations like Operation Cast Lead and Operation Protective Edge.

Geography and demographics

Situated approximately 3 kilometers east of the Gaza Strip border, Kfar Aza is part of the northwestern Negev region. The kibbutz is located near other communities such as Nir Oz and Be'eri, within the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the population prior to October 2023 was several hundred residents. The community layout is characteristic of a kibbutz, with residential areas, communal facilities, and agricultural lands.

October 7 attack

On October 7, 2023, Kfar Aza was one of the primary targets during a major assault by Hamas militants, part of the broader 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Fighters breached the Gaza–Israel barrier and infiltrated the kibbutz, engaging in extensive combat with the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Police. The attack resulted in a high number of civilian casualties and the abduction of numerous residents to the Gaza Strip. The severity of the assault led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a state of war, initiating Operation Iron Swords. Following the attack, the kibbutz was evacuated.

Economy

Historically based on agriculture, the kibbutz economy centered on crops like avocado and field crops. Its major industrial enterprise is the Kafrit plastics factory, a leading global manufacturer of masterbatch and compound additives. This factory is a significant employer in the region and exports products worldwide. Like many modern kibbutzim, Kfar Aza had also developed sectors such as tourism and services prior to the October 2023 attack.

Notable residents

* Ron Scherf (born 1974), co-founder of the Brothers in Arms protest movement. * Individuals from the community have served in prominent roles in the Israel Defense Forces, Knesset, and Israeli cultural institutions.

Category:Populated places in the Southern District (Israel) Category:Kibbutzim Category:Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council