In 2004, Rav Ari Katz moved with his family to Gush Katif, to serve as Rosh Yeshiva of a local high school. Just over a year later, soldiers knocked on his door and told him to leave.

In this 9 Days special episode, Rav Katz shares:

• What drew him to Gush Katif despite knowing the threats

• The beauty, unity, and spiritual strength of the community

• His firsthand account of the expulsion—including “the longest day of his life”

• How he and his community coped with the trauma, picked themselves up, and started again

• Why he believes October 7th began in the summer of 2005

Modern Day Churban?

As we approach Tisha B’Av, the day we mourn our exiles and national losses, this story feels especially relevant. Because Gush Katif was not ancient history—its a kind of modern Churban, including the destruction of entire communities, shuls and schools.

And yet, its a very complicated story. The 'disengagement' was the product of a Jewish government, and a Jewish army comprised of Jewish soldiers. The residents were not sent in to actual exile, they moved in to other parts of a flourishing and successful State of Israel. Rav Katz doesn't shy away from these complexities.

Pain and Hope

We spoke about pain and trauma, but we also spoke about resilience. After the final Mincha minyan, David Chatuel addressed the community. A year earlier, his preganant wife and all four of his children were murdered by terrorists. He got up and said "When tragedy strikes, you can crawl under your blanket—or you can get up and live."

Guest Bio

Rav Ari Katz is the Director of Sderot Hesder Yeshiva

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