Tel Aviv After October 7th: A Taste of Community Strength

On October 7th, Israel experienced a major shock. Together and despite the deep pain, citizens came together to support and assist communities in the north and around the Gaza Envelope.
This tour focuses on various communities affected by the war. During this tour, we will visit businesses run by army reservists, volunteers, and evacuees from their homes, all of whom had their lives changed in a single day and chose to give back to society. The tour includes tastings at local businesses and an introduction to street art, reflecting life in Tel Aviv during a time of war.
You will meet people, see how new communities have formed, and learn about businesses that reopened or shifted their focus. Along the way, you’ll also discover street art that tells the story of this time with no filters, capturing feelings of loss, frustration, and resilience.
Our journey includes a stop at the former location of Café Otef, which was opened by members of Kibbutz Re’im and named in memory of Dvir Karp, a chocolatier who lost his life on October 7th. Although the café is no longer operating, it served as a meaningful gathering place for evacuees and supporters during a difficult time. At this spot, we’ll reflect on the role such spaces played in helping displaced communities rebuild a sense of connection and continuity in the heart of Tel Aviv.

This tour offers a unique opportunity for a revealing journey through Tel Aviv’s contrasts: the political differences in approach, the collaborative spirit of kibbutzim against urban individualism, and the dissonance between civilian life and being an army reservist. Experience the power of community as you discover how local businesses and emerging neighborhoods are reshaping the city’s landscape. Together, these diverse forces are forging a resilient and vibrant Tel Aviv, paving the way for a promising future built on unity and dialogue