"We said we were from Israel — and he chased us away": The Sheinfeld-Shoval family story
The love story of Ronit and Ruti began with a workplace friendship, and today their ex-husband is part of the family. The couple speaks candidly about life in the shadow of the war, a recent humiliating incident in Vienna, and how fulfilling a dream—buying a house in Greece—has become an emotional outlet for them.
What do you do with an overdraft, how much do you pay for rent, and what dream have you managed to fulfill in the shadow of the war? People from all over the country share candid stories about life before and after October 7. This time, we feature the Sheinfeld-Shoval family from Kibbutz Mishmar HaNegev.
In the photo: Ruti (45), Ronit (59), Yael (31), Guy (12), Yonatan (6), Fredi (Yael's partner), and their dog, Shimon. Not pictured: Yuval (27).
A Home and a Journey
Their six-room private home was built 10 years ago for 2.4 million shekels. Today, similar properties in the area sell for around 4 million. Ronit recalls: "I am from Be'er Sheva and spent all my years in the south. After my divorce and beginning my relationship with Ruti, we started looking for a home in the area." Ruti adds: "Mishmar HaNegev was perfect—close to Highway 6. We rented a house there, Guy was born, and later we built this home, even including a clinic for Ronit."
Security and Reality
"There is a sense of community here, but October 7 shook that feeling," Ronit admits. "We were very lucky; they caught terrorists with a map of our kibbutz." The couple does not hide their concern for the country's future: "We feel like we are on a razor's edge, and the common foundation is crumbling." A recent trip to Vienna only deepened this feeling: "A market stall owner asked where we were from. As soon as we said Israel, he started shouting and chased us away. It was humiliating. We spent two hours in silence, trying to process what happened."
Love and Work
Their story began at the Anti-Drug Authority. "It was a friendship that turned into love," Ronit shares. "When we came out, I got divorced. Today, my ex-husband is part of our family."
Both women now hold leadership roles. Ronit heads the 'Eden' association, specializing in treating trauma in women, and has launched the 'Women Telling War' project. Ruti manages 'Potchim Atid' (Opening a Future), a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency, working with at-risk children in 60 municipalities across the country.
An Emotional Investment
Recently, the couple fulfilled an old dream—buying a small, old house in Greece. "It's not a business, but an emotional investment," Ruti explains. "We rent it out on Airbnb, but the income only covers expenses. We hoped having a home there would force us to take more vacations, but so far, reality hasn't quite matched our expectations."
