EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

As we mark two years since October 7, life in the Gaza Envelope is blossoming anew – its many wineries have reopened, and its restaurants are welcoming diners once again. A visit to the northern Negev, especially during these times, is not only an expression of solidarity with its inhabitants, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes and delicious food and wine / By Ariela Aflalo Colors of the south: a weekend of discovery in the towns and kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope

The Negev wine industry is a relatively new one, dating back about 30 years. It has been gaining traction in the past 10 years, now becoming a regional driving force - in great part thanks to the Merage Foundation Israel, a private philanthropic organization founded by David and Laura Merage, and inspired by the vision of David Ben Gurion. The foundation backs pioneering and groundbreaking initiatives geared towards the development of the Negev region into a leading international destination. To this end, the couple have established

the Negev Wineries Club in 2020, which includes over 50 wineries and vineyards. More and more vineyards are being planted, and there are many wonderful wineries to explore across the region, their founders deeply inspired by that same pioneering spirit, bearing yet more meaning since October 7. The Pauker Winery Kibbutz Nir Oz Gal Pauker (25) is the grandson of Gideon Pauker z”l, one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Gideon spent 40 years dreaming of planting

a vineyard in the kibbutz. Encouraged by his fellow kibbutz residents and friends Gadi Mozes z”l, Chaim Peri z”l, and Yoram Metzger z”l, he finally did so in 2006, producing his first bottles of wine two years later. October 7 came just as that year’s grape harvest was being processed. Pauker was killed on that day, Metzger and Peri were kidnapped and killed in captivity, and Mozes was kidnapped and released following 482 days of captivity in Gaza. After his grandfather’s death, and aided by his father Raz, Gal began working in the vineyard, planting more vines,

The Pauker vineyard - Kibbutz Nir Oz

14 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2025