In August 2005, Israel executed a significant withdrawal from the Gaza Strip under the Disengagement Plan initiated by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. This decision aimed to enhance national security and promote peace, but it resulted in the evacuation of approximately 10,000 Israelis from 21 Jewish communities. Soldiers were deployed not to defend territory but to remove their fellow citizens from their homes. Graves were exhumed, and synagogues were closed, while Israel left behind valuable agricultural infrastructure, hoping it would foster Palestinian prosperity.

The withdrawal was a major concession, as Israel relinquished land without securing any guarantees in return. The expectation was that Palestinians would use this opportunity to establish a self-governing and prosperous region. However, this vision quickly unraveled. Within a year, Hamas gained control of Gaza, redirecting aid into military resources and constructing an extensive tunnel network. Over the next 18 years, Hamas's rule was marked by violence against rivals and minorities, leading to tens of thousands of rocket attacks on Israeli cities, culminating in the tragic events of October 7, 2023.

Four Canadian-Israeli evacuees from the Gaza disengagement shared their experiences and reflections on the past two decades. Carol Chezi, 69, originally from Guelph, Ontario, moved to Gush Katif in 1980. She described her life there, stating, "We did not used to lock our doors in the house or even the car." Chezi recalled a time of relative peace before the Oslo Accords in 1993, when her husband would pick up Palestinian workers for their greenhouse business. However, she noted that safety deteriorated in the last few years before the disengagement.

Reflecting on the disengagement, Chezi said, "I would like to say that no one left voluntarily." She and her family were forced to leave their home, spending ten months in temporary accommodations before eventually settling in a new community. Chezi expressed regret over the loss of their livelihood, stating, "I imagine we’d have been better off financially if we’d still be in Gush Katif. We basically lost our livelihood."

Michael Shaul, 72, a retired agronomist, also shared his story. He arrived in Israel in 1974 and helped establish Moshav Katif in 1978. Shaul expressed his belief that the disengagement weakened Israeli defenses and emboldened terrorist groups. He stated, "Of course not. A very foolish question. As long as we were in Gush Katif, there was an army presence."

Ahavya Levy, 48, who moved to Gaza in 1990, described the beauty of the region and the sense of community among settlers. She recalled the day before the evacuation, when she packed her husband’s prayer books, uncertain of what would happen next. Levy emphasized that the settlers did not give up willingly, participating in rallies to oppose the disengagement.

Sody Naimer, 66, also reflected on the challenges faced during the evacuation. He noted the emotional toll it took on families, stating, "We were thrown to the wolves." Naimer highlighted the varying compensation received by evacuees, which often did not reflect the true value of their properties.

As the 20th anniversary of the disengagement approaches, these former settlers continue to grapple with their past and the ongoing conflict in the region. Their stories illustrate the complex legacy of the Gaza withdrawal and its lasting impact on Israeli-Palestinian relations.