Page 26 - C.A.L.L. #26 - Winter 2005/2006

Maagal HaKvutsot Annual Conference 2005

Around 200 people, young and old, descended on Kibbutz Bet Alpha, for the 2005 Conference of
'Maagal HaKvutsot' (lit. 'The Circle of Groups').

Over the course of a year, since the last get-together, new groups have been established, bringing
new faces and fresh ideas to the forum. The 2005 'Kenes' ('Conference') focused on a number of
relevant topics for the participants involved. These included:

• Creating a political unity and shared direction

• The Maagal HaKvutsot and 'Hevra' ('Society') magazine

• Alternatives within formal education

• Power of memory – how do we create a collective culture?

• Graduates of youth movements and the Maagal HaKvutsot

• The 'group' as a structure for personal development.

Each session introduced and discussed a plethora of new ideas,
methods and techniques that contributed to informing and
educating other participants. However, the most apparent
strength comes more in the form of inspiration. The Maagal
HaKvutsot Kenes is a wonderful opportunity for all participants to
learn and develop their groups' culture. The experience of other
participants across all spheres of daily life, from celebration to
work, and from family to friendships is invaluable and a perfect
tonic for encouragement and motivation.

The question hanging over the Maagal HaKvutsot is more to do with the future: Will this assortment
of collectives become a new 'Kibbutz Movement', or merely a network designed to offer support and
encouragement to other cooperatives and collectives across the Israel?

One thing is certain; There is a large number of inspirational and
inspired people living in collective communities across Israel, and
this circle is steadily growing in number each year. Even though
the members of Maagal HaKvutsot come from different parts of
the country and represent a variety of different backgrounds and
experiences, they represent similar values, aims and methods in
terms of how their daily lives are structured and progress. The
passion and dedication to which the members of the various
groups around Israel contribute to the development and
improvement of the society around them, through support
networks, social work and educational projects provides an excellent forum for debate and discussion
about how they can continue their work and 'missions' in a more effective and mutually beneficial
fashion. The positive attitudes and attributes were on show once again at this year's 'Kenes'
demonstrating that there is a bright future for Israel's collective community.

Jeremy Aron
Kvutsat Yovel

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