Perched just 18 kilometers south of Ashkelon, Kibbutz Erez stands as a proud sentinel of the Sha’ar HaNegev region. Established in 1949 by pioneering youth, the kibbutz takes its name from the cedar tree—a symbol of endurance that reflects the community’s spirit. The land itself whispers stories of antiquity, with archaeological finds ranging from 3rd-century Greek statues of griffins to Latin inscriptions, marking this spot as a crossroads of civilizations for nearly two millennia. Today, it is a bustling communal home of over 500 residents who have transformed the arid northwestern Negev into a lush landscape of innovation.​

​

The serenity of this historic outpost was violently tested on October 7, 2023, as the nearby Erez Crossing became a primary flashpoint for the regional assault. While the kibbutz's civil defense team mounted a heroic stand to prevent a total breach, the trauma of the heavy combat on their doorstep and the resulting displacement has left the community in a critical period of rebuilding. Supporting Erez today is an opportunity to help a frontline community heal its scars and reinforce the security of a town that serves as the literal and metaphorical gateway to the northern Gaza envelope.