Page 16 - C.A.L.L. #23 - Spring 2004

Changes are not Easy to Bear KIBBUTZ SHORTS

"All my life long I have lived in the Kibbutz, taken full part in all its activities, debates and decisions - and now the
Kibbutz has moved away from under my feet. I can hardly recognize my ‘home-for-life’: everything has been
privatized, has become goods to be paid for: the food, clothes washing and ironing, part of the education, even
part of the health services and medicines". More than one person laments like this, most of them the elderly who
work little or not at all and get a much smaller "wage" than they were due for in the past, when they fulfilled
central posts and held important jobs. Many others are perfectly satisfied with the waning of communal values and
increasing of "privatization" and even press for more of it, meaning a higher wage into their private pocket.

On the other hand, most Kibbutzim keep up highly professional services for the old and the infirm: social and
cultural activities, special "protected" work shops, travel arrangements on the Kibbutz grounds, house cleaning and
more. But still, while younger people find it much easier to experience change, for the old members this is
sometimes exceedingly difficult (quote: this is not just a 'change', this is a revolution!").

Kibbutz-grown Bees - to China!

The Bio-Bee center in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu sent its first shipment of bumble-bees to activate
the fertilization of tomatoes grown in China. The initiator was a Chinese student who worked
and studied for some time in the Kibbutz and now became manager of a huge farm. In this
way, he hopes, he will be able to assist his country in increasing vegetable production in new,
biological-ecological ways.

Assistance

After a number of Kibbutzim in the Jordan Valley combined their cowsheds into one big, extended cow-raising
place, they decided to devote part of the economising to needy people in their environment. Now they send fresh
meat packets to hundreds of families in and around the ancient town of Bet Sh'an. The "cowboys" as well as the
butchers and the drivers all take willing part in this venture wishing to stress the importance of interaction
between all sectors of the local society.

An ecological bus-stop

The first ecological bus stop in the world was recently erected on eco-Kibbutz
Lotan in the south of Israel. The stop was constructed from recycled car tires, with
mud and straw and additional materials. A special feature is the design which
follows "green" principles that are environmentally friendly: wind directions, shade,
weather conditions were all taken into account creating a shelter that is cool in the
summer and warm in the winter. As well as offering excellent refuge from all
weather conditions, it is also safe from cars that might drive off the road by
mistake, as it is primarily constructed from tires. The designers are hoping that
other kibbutzim, as well as urban communities, will adopt the structure.

Still going strong

To the youngsters on Kibbutz Yifat (i.e. those in their 30s, 40s and 50s), Shlomo
Dori, aged 84, is an inspiration. Despite his advanced age he still works in the dairy
barn as he has done for many years. How does he manage this at the age of 84?
Well, he is possibly helped by the fact that every night before going to bed he
downs a glass of vodka, eats a sizable daily portion of meat, and finishes off a
packet of 20 cigarettes every single day! As well as recently celebrating his
birthday, Shlomo has been enjoying the recently announced partnership between
the diary barn of Yifat with that of Merhavia, something Shlomo predicted ten years ago. "At the time, everyone
thought I was crazy, but now I can see it coming true”.

20