Carmela Keren Yakuti returns to Dovev, Israel, after 16 months of displacement due to Hezbollah threats. While 60,000 residents were displaced in northern Israel, many are slowly returning home following a ceasefire. However, communities like Hanita face uncertainty, with concerns about resettlement and future conflicts. As life resumes in areas like Shlomi, apprehension about security remains prevalent among residents.
In Dovev, Israel, Carmela Keren Yakuti expresses relief at returning home after 16 months due to fears of a Hezbollah attack. Despite the escalating conflict initiated by Hamas’s strike on October 7, Yakuti and others were evacuated for safety before the recent war. Now, with most residents back, she reflects on the beauty of their moshav and appreciates the community’s spirit, stating, “It’s simply great to be back home.”
The conflict led to the displacement of approximately 60,000 residents in northern Israel, with about half yet to return, while over one million people fled southern Lebanon, according to the UN. A ceasefire took effect after more than a year of fighting, allowing residents to gradually repopulate areas like Dovev from March 1. Yakuti, now a beautician, is committed to her home, declaring, “I would not give up my home and my moshav even if the war continued.”
In contrast, many communities remain cautious. In Hanita, only 20-30 families out of approximately 300 have returned, highlighting ongoing challenges. Or Ben Barak voices concerns about community rebuilding and long-term security, stating, “What will happen with the community? Who will come back?” He emphasizes the need for lasting peace in the region, reflecting on the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, nearby Shlomi showcases signs of revival, although residents maintain a sense of unease. Yonatan Baleli operates a falafel shop filled with customers, yet Ronit Fire shares her concerns, suggesting another conflict may be on the horizon. She fears, “It feels like it’s just a matter of time” before the next war.
Overall, while some areas in northern Israel are recovering, the lingering tension highlights the complexities of post-conflict community rebuilding and security expectations.
The return of residents to Dovev indicates a positive step towards normalcy, yet significant challenges remain in other northern Israeli communities. Displacement statistics reflect the deep impact of the conflict, as local leaders grapple with community restoration and security assurance. As residents cautiously reclaim their lives, the specter of future conflicts persists, underscoring the need for durable peace measures in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
