Here Was
This structure was the Nitzanim Children’s Nursery – the kibbutz nursery. Generations of kibbutz children were raised here until October 7, 2023. In fact, the previous nursery, “Tnuva Yeladim,” was one of the very first structures in Nir Oz. Over the years, the nursery served as the gateway through which our children entered the communal education. The baby house formed the foundation of the warm bond between the educational system and the parents.
October 7th
Although the nursery was closed on Saturdays, one member of the staff was present on the morning of October 7 – Maya Goren z”l.
Almost every Saturday, Maya – one of the most senior and leading caregivers in early childhood education in general, and in Nitzanim Nursery in particular – would quietly come to the nursery, after her working hours (a secret known only to her family), to prepare the kindergarten for the upcoming week.
On the morning of October 7, Maya arrived early as usual and began organizing the kindergarten. While she was there, the sirens were sounded. Maya locked herself in kindergarten, while staying in touch with her family and her husband, Avner, who was at their home. Terrorists entered the kindergarten several times. Maya was critically injured by gunfire and abducted.
What Happened Since
In late November 2023, the IDF notified Maya’s family that she had definitively been murdered. Maya’s body was held captive, and on July 24, 2024, her body was recovered in a military operation, along with four other deceased hostages. She was brought to rest next to her husband, Avner, who was also murdered on that same Saturday.
