Hanna Biton
87, born in Libya.
Immigrated from Morocco in 1949.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
My children left Malkiya, and I am concerned about what will happen to my property. My house is registered in my name. Malkiya is my home, my view, and my heart, and I will end my life here. I hoped a grandchild would live here, but that seems unlikely. Transportation is harder for me, as I don’t have a car.
I arrived in Malkiya in 1952. I have four children (three daughters and a son). I was widowed 26 years ago. During Israel’s War of Independence, my family moved to Tel Aviv. At 17, I left home, joined the Working Youth, trained in Hulata, and later in the Nahal. I was sent to Malkiya after the kibbutz split, leaving few members. Upon arrival, there were only 27 members.
I immediately joined the construction sector and worked for 50 years in construction and financial matters, serving as the kibbutz treasurer during the 1956 Sinai Campaign at age 25.
I am satisfied with my life. Despite being widowed at 65, I experienced a rebirth: meeting people, learning, and traveling. Life taught me: you either sink or swim.
On October 8, it took time to process the events. The kibbutz manager informed me of the evacuation. Initially, I stayed with my children, then joined the community at the hotel.
I participate in Veterans of the Galilee activities. My caregiver is a longtime friend.
Security improvements, like bomb shelters, are underway so we can return safely. The kibbutz was relatively unharmed.
My wife, Livna, was my partner from a folk dance group at age 16. She moved to Malkiya to join me. I miss a steady partner. My caregiver, Ilanit, is a friend but not a partner, which I miss. Though not young, I feel this absence.
I have traveled passionately. After widowhood, I studied and filled my life with learning. Today, I am educated and skilled, despite only having elementary school initially.
I built the kibbutz and am proud. I touched every house—both private and communal.
87, born in Libya.
Immigrated from Morocco in 1949.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
Age: 84
Born: Iran
Immigrated to Israel: 1951
Home: Kiryat Shmona
Evacuated to: An apartment in Migdal
Interviewer: Bracha Tor
Interview location: Oncology Day Clinic, Ziv Medical Center
76, born in Tunisia.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
70, born in Casablanca, Morocco.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
83, born in India.
Immigrated to Israel in 1966.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
69, born in Morocco.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
69.
Immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union in 1990.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
70, born in Israel (Safed).
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
70, born in Israel.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
69, born in Israel (Tiberias).
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
90, born in Yemen.
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal