Kan 7.10.360 | The story of Kibbutz Nirim on October 7

With the sounding of Red Color alarms in Nirim, the residents of the kibbutz enter the safe rooms

Dozens of terrorists infiltrate Nirim through the perimeter fence near the basketball court equipped with maps of the kibbutz. Several residents call the Ravshatz (Military Ongoing Security Coordinator), Daniel Meir, informing him they hear voices in Arabic near their home. Daniel goes up to the roof of his house and tries to contact the defense forces.

The commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Strip, Colonel Asaf Hamami, drives to the kibbutz with his squad fighters - Kirill Brodsky and Tomer Ahimas. On the way, he announces a war via the military radio communication system, requests the dispatching of security squads to the communities, and orders to send tanks to the border. About ten minutes later, Hamami and his fighters enter the kibbutz with the help of some residents hiding in a nearby shelter and open the gate for them. They park the vehicle inside the kibbutz and become the only military force present in the kibbutz, facing the dozens of terrorists who have already invaded it and are already breaking into the kibbutz homes.

Assaf Hamami and his two fighters park their vehicle near the youth club in the kibbutz and notice the force of terrorists coming to Nirim. They fire at the force and prevent it from reaching the kibbutz, however Col. Hamami is wounded during the exchange. Brodsky and Ahimas evacuate their commander towards a shelter located near the soccer field, and continue to fight. About ten minutes later, the two are heard on a recorded message requesting an urgent evacuation time after time. This is the last sign of life received from the three. Hamami, Ahimas, and Brodsky are killed in battle and their bodies are abducted to Gaza. In the weeks to come, the story will be censured.

Nirim's Ravshatz, Daniel Meir, talks to a high-ranked officer who makes it clear to him: currently, no military forces can reach Nirim. Daniel calls the Commander of the Southern Brigade to request backup, to no avail, and updates his comrades in the emergency squad: “Friends, keep in mind - there is no army. Those armed, who can go up to the roof of their own house, do it. Full equipment.” At the same time, terrorists outside the home of Kibbutz members Doron and Mor Meir, who are outside their safe room, shot inside and killed them. The apartment where Noralin Babadila, an Israeli resident with Filipino citizenship, is on fire. Norelin jumps out the window, but the terrorists find her and kidnap her to Gaza.

The dozens of terrorists infiltrate the kibbutz, breaking into families' homes, looting furniture, and setting fire to vehicles and homes

Terrorists kidnap 79-year-old Hannah Perry, along with her son Nadav Popplewell, 51, from their home. Couple Rimon Kirsht, 36, and Yagev Buchshtav, 35, are also abducted to Gaza. Around the same time, the terrorists murder five more civilians

Two members of the security squad, Stanislav Terlatsky and Michael Bass, arrive at the home of police officer Amit Levy, who lives next to them. The three wait in Amit's shed, which is relatively secure, while able to see what unfolds outside. Amit contacts Daniel the Ravshatz and informs him that he, Stanislav, and Michael are ready to battle.

Daniel the Ravshatz joins Amit, Stanislav, and Michael, and the four head towards the western fence of the kibbutz. On the way there, they encounter three terrorists and kill one of them. As they get close to the western fence, they spot a swarm of terrorists, take cover, and open fire at them. For about forty minutes, members of the security squad conduct exchanges of fire with the terrorists, preventing further incursions. Another group of terrorists arrives on the scene and forces the security squad to fall back. They go up to the kibbutz's grain tower and take up lookout posts, so the terrorists lose eye contact with them. At the same time, around 10:00, footage from Gaza is published showing Hamami's jeep

An Attack helicopter over the kibbutz. An Air Force control center soldier contacts Daniel and mediates between him and the helicopter pilot. Daniel points the pilot to the point where the terrorists are, and the two coordinate the firing at them. The helicopter fires numerous shells at the terrorists, who are killed on the spot or flee.

About 30 IDF fighters arrive in Nirim, join the members of the security squad, scan the kibbutz, and purge it of terrorists

The army forces rescue the residents of the kibbutz and gather them in the youth club. At night, residents sleep in the kindergartens and the club