Treedis Initiative: Revealing Tales of Grief and Fortitude at Gaza’s Frontier

by | Dec 25, 2023

In a small community near the Gaza Strip, the Bachar family’s story deeply resonates with the project manager of Treedis. This initiative, led by Nathanael Lumbroso and Omer Shamay, aims to document and share the painful experiences of families living along the Gaza border. Through collaborations with various organizations, Treedis aims to shed light on the suffering endured by these communities.

The project explores the personal stories of five different families who have faced unspeakable tragedy. One exhibit takes place in the ruins of the Berdichevsky family’s home in Kfar Aza. This haunting setting serves as a reminder of the brutal killing of Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, who sacrificed their lives to protect their twin infants.

Visitors can walk through the burned remains of these homes and read text exchanges between the victims and their families. These chilling messages offer a glimpse into the shattered lives left behind after acts of violence. To enhance the immersive experience, the exhibit includes additional documentation, helping visitors understand the profound suffering endured by these families.

Another exhibit, held in Kibbutz Be’eri, sheds light on the tragic fate of the Bibas family. Among them is baby Kfir, whose innocent life was abruptly ended by terrorists. This display features recorded WhatsApp messages between Avida Bachar and his 13-year-old daughter Hadar. These messages capture their final moments together and Hadar’s courage as she received instructions on applying a tourniquet to her wounds.

To map the homes of hundreds of families near the Gaza border, Treedis uses Lidar sensors from Matterport and Leica. This modern technology supports their advocacy efforts and raises awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by these communities.

The project’s mission is to challenge the prevailing narrative of the events of October 7, when terrorists used the cries of innocent babies to lure more victims. As former members of the Paratroopers Brigade, the founders of Treedis felt compelled to contribute to their country by documenting these horrific stories and giving a voice to the victims.

Through collaborations with various organizations, Treedis has succeeded in highlighting the human side of the conflict. By amplifying the stories of those who have suffered the most, the project aims to challenge assumptions and foster empathy and understanding.

The exhibits have a strong emotional impact. Visitors can walk through the devastated homes and witness the physical and emotional scars left by acts of terror. The inclusion of text messages and other documentation adds authenticity to the experience, ensuring that these stories are not forgotten.

Treedis, with its innovative technology and partnerships, offers a unique perspective on the tragedies faced by families in the Gaza border region. By providing a platform for these stories, the project seeks to encourage dialogue, empathy, and ultimately, change.

As visitors leave the exhibits, they are left with a renewed sense of compassion for those living under constant threat. Treedis serves as a powerful reminder that behind the headlines and statistics, there are real individuals who have endured unimaginable pain and loss.

The project is always evolving, with plans to collaborate with more organizations to reach wider audiences. Through storytelling, Treedis aims to inspire action and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that have devastated the Gaza border region.

In a world where tragedy often dominates the news, projects like Treedis shed light on the human stories that are often overlooked. These stories remind us of the resilience of those who have faced unimaginable adversity, emphasizing the urgent need for peace in the region.