After 55 days in captivity, photographer Ziv Koren accompanied Miya Shem as she returned to Nirim, a kibbutz in Israel. Shem had been held captive by Hamas, but was finally released and able to return home. Her return was met with a heroic battle, as standby squad members fought against dozens of Hamas terrorists.
The battle took place at Kibbutz Nirim, and the standby squad initially realized they were alone in the fight. They valiantly fought, unaware that the commander of the southern brigade was also present, preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. The bravery and determination of the squad ultimately prevailed, and Nirim was kept safe from harm.
In the midst of this conflict, support initiatives for both residents and soldiers in southern Israel were also underway. Equipment and supplies were being collected for those affected by the ongoing conflict, providing vital resources and aid to those in need.
Shem’s return and the ongoing battles in the region serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by those living in conflict zones. The resilience and courage shown by individuals like Shem and the members of the standby squad are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.