Burying friends, updating death lists: The morbid routine of displaced survivors of a Hamas massacre

By JULIA FRANKEL
Associated Press

EIN BOKEK, Israel (AP) — After Hamas militants attacked Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7, killing more than 100 of its 1,100 residents, the Israeli government evacuated many survivors to a hotel near the Dead Sea. On the shores of the salty lake, known for its healing powers, the survivors follow a morbid routine, including attending funerals and getting updates on who among the missing is confirmed dead. They say they eventually want to rebuild their community, but will not go home until Israel’s military has crushed Hamas rule in neighboring Gaza. Many say they feel their government has let them down.