Here’s something you might hear from an Israeli who grew up living in a kibbutz:
“I hate to kvell, but I grew up in a kishefdik place—a kibbutz, begun by a kvutza that had plenty of khutspe and not a little khiluke-deyes.” Translation: “I hate to brag, but I grew up in a magical place, a communal settlement begun by a group that had plenty of daring and not a little controversy.”
Presto. You’ve had your first Yiddish lesson (at least the “k” words) and learned a little about the kibbutzim you’ll visit with OAT. But let’s stop kibbitzing (chit-chatting) and see why the kibbutz phenomenon really is a bit of magic.
The challenge
A kibbutz is a rural egalitarian community, based on democratic principles of government and socialist ideals about shared work and joint ownership. Members participate “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” Israelis who grew up on a kibbutz can tell you that they have changed quite a bit from the early days. Since the pioneers were radical thinkers and Zionists, some Americans may cast a wary eye on them. But consider the historical context of 1909:
Imagine throwing a bunch of ragtag refugees together in a new and foreign land. All are from different countries and varied economic and educational backgrounds. Most have suffered persecution, even trauma. They have unpopular political views, strong idealism, and a tendency to argue a lot. They are largely city dwellers, but now must become farmers. The place they will farm has been a desert wasteland for thousands of years. Where there is water, it is swampy, and where there are swamps, there is malaria. They must cope with extreme heat, scarce food, and limited technology. The reception from the neighbors ranges from suspicious to downright hostile. And, oh yes, I almost forgot: they are flat broke.
What would it take for this experiment to succeed? A miracle you say? Exactly. That is how Israelis feel about their kibbutzim. Not only did they survive—they thrived.
The results
Here is the real magic: through hard work, determination, and novel agricultural techniques, the kibbutzim made the barren desert bloom. Lands that were uninhabitable became prosperous towns, providing much-needed room for an ongoing stream of immigrants. They opened their arms to refugees from the Holocaust. As statehood loomed, kibbutzim provided defense. They also hosted foreign volunteers (many young American Jews) who came to lend a hand after independence in 1948. Many kibbutzniks think independence may never have occurred without them.
Today there are about 269 active kibbutzim. While their members make up only 2.5% of Israel’s population, they contribute 33% of its farm produce and 6.3% of manufactured goods. Many kibbutzim are turning from agriculture to manufacturing and technology. Recently, they have been driving forces in tourism, operating guest houses, sports facilities, outdoor resorts, museums—even animal farms and water parks.
On the social front, many kibbutzim run study courses for new immigrants, providing intensive Hebrew lessons and food and shelter in exchange for work. Some kibbutzim run educational programs for disadvantaged youth. The once-communal approach to child rearing is being replaced by a decidedly more family-centered model. And many kibbutzim have revived lost arts and customs, even reinstating ancient agricultural holidays that were part of Jewish tradition before the Diaspora.
What made the kibbutz work? It must be magic, because you have to see it with your own eyes to believe it.
Experience the magic of the kibbutz for yourself in Israel with OAT.