Three Years After October 7, a New Synagogue Rises in the Western Negev
New Synagogue Center at Ibim The newly completed synagogue at the Ibim Aliyah and Pioneers Village in the Western Negev, created as a new spiritual and communal center for residents and new immigrants.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Ibim Representatives and supporters officially open the new synagogue at the Ibim Aliyah and Pioneers Village during a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Gathering Inside the New Ibim Synagogue Guests, community members and supporters gather inside the newly inaugurated synagogue during the opening celebrations at Ibim.
Three years after October 7, a new synagogue in Ibim brings together new immigrants and Christian supporters in a powerful symbol of rebuilding and hope.
A newly completed synagogue was inaugurated at the Ibim Aliyah and Pioneers Village, bringing together new immigrants, young adults, representatives of The Jewish Agency and a delegation of 40 Christian business leaders from the Netherlands.
Ibim, located in the Sha’ar HaNegev region near the Gaza border, is being further developed by The Jewish Agency and its partners as a hub for young adults and new immigrants who are choosing to build their futures in southern Israel.
The new Synagogue Center is intended to become the spiritual and communal heart of the village, serving as a gathering place for residents arriving from around the world and helping strengthen a region still rebuilding from the events of October 7.
One of the most moving moments of the inauguration was a performance by the Ibim Lev Ofir children’s choir, named in memory of Ofir Libstein, the late head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, who was killed on October 7 while defending his community.
Their performance reflected the wider message of the day: a region marked by tragedy is once again being filled with children, new residents, community life and hope.
“The inauguration of the synagogue in Ibim, just three years after the October 7 massacre, is more than an emotional moment,” said Eran Berkovich, Director of the Aliyah and Integration Unit at The Jewish Agency. “It is a moment of hope and gratitude: for the growth and the new life that Ibim brings to the Western Negev, and for our friends around the world who stand by Israel, led by CVI – Christians for Israel. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
The establishment of the synagogue was made possible through the support of Christians for Israel in the Netherlands and its business network, Building with Israel.
The network includes approximately 450 members, primarily Christian entrepreneurs alongside several Jewish business leaders, representing industries including manufacturing, banking, construction and commerce.
Forty members traveled to Israel to take part in the inauguration.
“We are deeply connected to Israel; we live and breathe its cause, and continually hold the nation in our prayers,” said Roger van Oordt, Honorary Consul of Israel in the Netherlands and a board member of Christians for Israel.
Van Oordt said the group sees practical support for rebuilding the Western Negev as an expression of both friendship and faith.
“As our name implies, we undertake numerous projects throughout the country, with a particular focus on construction and development,” he said. “We consider it a great privilege to have built a new synagogue for the Jewish community that has endured so much suffering in the Gaza Envelope.”
The synagogue is situated within the developing Jewish Agency facility at Ibim and will provide a permanent space for prayer, community gatherings and Jewish life.
“This new Aliyah center will provide a dedicated space to worship the Almighty, praise Him, and give thanks for His miracles,” van Oordt said.
The timing of the inauguration carried special significance, taking place on October 11, only days after Israel marked three years since the October 7 attacks.
“As Christians, we feel deeply honored to join in worshiping the same God and to express our gratitude for His ongoing work in gathering the people of Israel from over a hundred nations back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” van Oordt said.
“It stands as a beacon of hope and a new beginning for the residents of Ibim.”
The broader Ibim initiative is being developed in partnership with the Government of Israel, the Tekuma Authority, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council.
Three years ago, the Western Negev became synonymous with destruction and loss.
Today, new immigrants are arriving, children are singing, communities are rebuilding and a new synagogue has opened its doors.
In Ibim, that synagogue is more than a building. It is a declaration that life in the Western Negev is continuing — and beginning again.
Eli
CHRISTIANS FOR ISRAEL
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