Page 18 - C.A.L.L. #28 - Spring 2007

KIBBUTZ SHORTS

Human oriented spiritual philosophy

A new kindergarten has opened recently in Kibbutz Bet Keshet, with its education and
equipment according to the anthroposophical theory: all games and toys are made of
natural materials, no television and no computers. Soon they will work on their organic
garden, and the plan includes a whole anthropological farm for the surrounding areas, for
all the different religions.

Two is better than one?

Within the last two years the two large Kibbutz movements have
united, although it took quite some time until both of them agreed to
submit their special and separate sub-organizations and funds to the
joint management. Now, only the two weeklies remain separate, and
although there is no actual (or historic) justification for two
newspapers serving one movement, the editors and journalists keep on fighting for the
continuation of this arrangement. Both papers are well written and succeed in expressing
the views of leaders and ordinary Kibbutz members, so let's see how long the "interested
parties" will be able to stay apart…

Germans encounter the real Israel via Austria

Erik Koenig came from Austria to Degania Bet - joined the Kibbutz and stayed there ever
since. For the last decade he has worked as a guide for German pilgrims and tourists, with
a message: "If you believe what you media tell and show you - that Israel is a place
where bullets fly all over your head - you are truly mistaken. People here are not only
normal, but nice and welcoming, and in many places Jews, Muslims and Christians live in
peace and harmony." And he talks a lot about commune and socialism, too, as "this
seems to catch their fancy" .

Global prize for Kibbutz Ecovillage

The annual prize for the Best Ecological village 2006 was
awarded to Kibbutz Lotan (at the southern end of Israel) by
the Global Ecovillage Network Europe (GEN) for the
outstanding work of this Kibbutz in the area of ecological
building, full recycling of all refuse, and ongoing education
towards ecological awareness. The prize givers also stressed
the intensive activity of Kibbutz Lotan for fostering a climate
of peace and building bridges between the different cultures
and minorities.

Come to Kibbutz!

Tzvia Cohen joined Kibbutz Yassur a few years ago, when it went through a heavy
economic crisis, and is most satisfied with her decision: "Whoever comes here acquires an
excellent deal for a lifetime. Wherever would you find such ideal combination that makes
for a good quality of life: the baby and children houses so nearby, a nursing home for the
old, even a cemetery - all in one settlement? And there is so much we can do here to
enrich the life of all members!".

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