Erez is named after the first group that settled the kibbutz, who were members of the Noar HaOved from Petah Tikva. It was founded in 1949.
Archaeological discoveries from Erez include a statue of a griffin with a Greek dedication by a priest, dating to 210/211 AD. Additionally, fragments of Greek inscriptions, one potentially Latin, have been found here.[2]
1948 Arab-Israeli war
Before the founding of the kibbutz the Palestinian village of Dimrah (Arabic: دمرة) existed on the same land.[3] During the first 1948 Palestine War in 1948 the approximately 520 inhabitants were forcefully driven out by Israeli forces as part of the Nakba.[4][5]
2023 Hamas attack
On 7 October 2023, the kibbutz was attacked in the opening stage of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. The kibbutz security team repulsed the attack in an hours-long battle, losing one of its members, Amir Naim. Two others were injured and received treatment outside the kibbutz[6]
The security team of Kibbutz assembled to prevent the invaders from entering the kibbutz through the main gate. After contacting the IDF they were informed that no help is coming. A firefight involving rifles, grenades and RPGs ensued.
The whole kibbutz was evacuated to a Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon. After several weeks, makeshift schools were established. Since then the kibbutz population was relocated to Kiryat Gat. [7]
