**The opinions and ideas expressed in this newsletter and podcast episode reflect only the personal opinions of those speaking and not any official opinion from Kibbutz Saad, or anyone else**
It’s been a while since we did a Critically Zionist episode and we wanted to share a project that we are working on.
Join us in this conversation where we begin to delve into the vibrant life and enduring spirit of Kibbutz Sa'ad. We want to explore the community's resilience through the eyes of its members, their connections, and the music that binds them together. Discover how the community of Sa'ad, once a warm and welcoming hub, is navigating the challenges of displacement.
Today, Hilary Yom-Tov shares her personal odyssey from Aliyah to finding love and building a life in Sa'ad with the challenges as a new Oleh integrating on Kibbutz to preparing for her son Or’s wedding this week while living at a hotel in the Dead Sea.
She opens up about the hurdles of being an outsider and how her involvement with Nativers and music helped her find her place in the community. The episode takes a serious turn as we discuss the Yom-Tov family’s experience on October 7. Hilary reflects on the strength drawn from community support during these trying times.
Tap your feet to the stories of Sa'ad's wedding band and the ensemble that followed. Hilary reminisces about the band's evolution, their community performances, and the personal significance of music in her life as a nurse.
Hear about the current reality of Kibbutz life in a hotel. Despite the noise and lack of privacy, Hilary finds solace in puzzles, and working as a nurse for displaced communities, maybe a metaphor for piecing together the fragmented community.
Tune in to hear how the enduring relationships and the power of music play a pivotal role in the community's journey towards healing and rebuilding. This is a story of a kibbutz not just surviving, but thriving against all odds.
We're talking about celebrating Or Yom Tov's wedding!
If anyone wants to give a gift to the Kibbutz in honor of this happy occasion, here is a link for donations that go straight to the kibbutz: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/donation-targets/110301/charity
If anyone wants to get in touch about finding a way that you can express your support, please reach out!
Wishing for a better 2024
Best,
Shuki and Noam
Episode Breakdown:
Introducing SaadStories (00:00-5:10)
Hilary's Journey to Sa’ad (05:11-16:35)
From hosted to the resilience of hosting (16:36-32:47)
Musical Ties - (32:48-38:05)
Life in Transition (38:06-44:05)
Getting ready for Or’s Wedding (44:06-52:54)
Garin Tzabar on Saad (52:55-65:55)
Thoughts on Returning Home (65:56-72:35)
Reflecting on the conversation (72:38-end)
**Disclaimer**
This feed will be rough conversations, raw but hopefully it will be meaningful. If you are looking for that perfect version of a podcast then we're going to ask you to wait a little bit while we're trying to put together this story. We are really enjoying having these conversations with people connected to Saad and think it can be really nice to hear. Please feel free to share feedback, thoughts, and let us know what could be done better.
Come along for the ride and be a part of this community that really wants Saad and the rest of the Western Negev to get back on their feet and rebuild as fast as possible, so they can continue helping others, helping Israel, and making this world a little bit better