Holding the Line: How Harel a Handful of Defenders Saved Kibbutz Re'im
- Dec 15, 2025
- 2 min read
On October 7, as rockets fell and chaos spread, Kibbutz Re'im came under attack from more than 80 terrorists entering simultaneously from three directions. With no time to hesitate, Harel Oren, a lifelong resident of the kibbutz and commander of the first response team, took up his weapon and went out to defend his home. At that moment, only five others stood with him. Outnumbered and facing a heavily armed, organized force, they understood there was no alternative. If they did not stop the attackers, the outcome would be unthinkable.
The small team split into three zones across the kibbutz, operating with pure instinct and determination. They fought from behind bushes and makeshift cover, striking, retreating, and striking again. It was not a conventional battle but a desperate effort to delay. Like the Hasmoneans of old, they fought as a guerrilla force against an army, buying precious time to prevent the terrorists from advancing deeper into the community where families, children, and the elderly were hiding.
Hours later, Israeli army and police forces arrived and took over the fighting. Though soldiers, police, and civilians were killed and wounded, the outcome could have been far worse. Of the 420 residents of the kibbutz, most were saved. Several civilians were kidnapped but later returned. Compared to neighboring communities, the physical damage was limited. Harrel credits the bravery of the first response team, and he does not deny what he believes was a clear miracle that day.
In the aftermath, the bond between the families of fallen soldiers and police officers became unbreakable. Harrel was able to bring his entire first response team back to their families, even as many in the community grieved losses of their own. His message to the world is not one of fear, but of strength. Stay prepared. Protect yourself and those around you. Keep your head up. Trust God.
The lights of Chanukah are meant to shine outward, to publicize miracles and remind us that courage, faith, and light endure in every generation. This Chanukah, we honor everyday heroes like Harrel Oren. Ordinary people who, when history called, stood their ground and became the living embodiment of survival, faith, and hope.
As we reflect on his bravery, it is important to honor not only Harel but those that worked along side him, and all those who work quietly everyday to protect others. Their stories deserve to be told and remembered.
Bring more light into the world. As you refelct on the miracles of Chanukah, think of Harel - Share this story with others.
WITH GRATITUDE TO
ELLIOT AND DEBBIE GIBBER
WHOSE GENEROSITY BRINGS THESE STORIES TO LIGHT
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