Page 11 - C.A.L.L. #29 - Winter 2007

KALEIDOSCOPE

The Communitarian Scene from all Over and Under
Compiled (and partly translated) by Joel Dorkam

Here in Israel what we like to call ‘Volunteers’ (a.k.a. interns,
guest-workers, work-exchangers, co-workers) are simply strangers
who come to stay with us for a limited period, working for their
upkeep, living amongst us without sharing most of our benefits and
duties. In a way they contribute to our culture and they certainly
enjoy great popularity with our youngsters. They provide valuable manpower at crucial peak
seasonal times. When they return home they frequently become ambassadors for Israel and
for the kibbutz. Sometimes they reappear after many years with wife and children to show
them ‘my kibbutz’ and refresh old memories.

But - there is a but too - sometimes they bring along certain habits and customs and ideas
which don't quite fit in with ours and may spell trouble. Things like drugs or alcohol abuse,
dishonest practices, sexual promiscuity and occasionally even violence. Research done on
these subjects indicate that these visitors have long-term effects on our lifestyle, for better and
for worse.

Sometimes a volunteer stays on and on and on, becoming either a full-fledged kibbutznik - or
a pain in the ass, depending on the circumstances. We have half a dozen of the first kind at
my kibbutz, who eventually converted, married and became esteemed members of our
community. Other places, having experienced some kind of trouble, or simply lacking
accommodation, are not taking them any longer. One shining exception is kibbutz Bar'Am in
upper Galilee, as reported in a recent issue of "Green Leaves" by Ohad Hay:

Thomas Berger (25) from North Carolina, an American student of Journalism at Haifa University,
returns almost yearly to work as a volunteer at kibbutz BarAm, where he first arrived 5 years ago.
He has friends here, 30, 60 and even 70 years old with whom he discusses politics. This year's visit
was especially moving, "like coming home".

Thomas is one of 64 volunteers presently staying at Bar'Am.
Contrary to most kibbutzim, who shut down their
volunteers programs for economical and other
considerations, the volunteers scene at Bar'Am is alive and
kicking.

"We have volunteers from India, Turkey, U.S.A, England,
Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Australia, Ecuador, Brasil,
Columbia, Mexico, South Africa, and Korea" tells Aviv
Gutman, the volunteers coordinator for the last 2 years. He
has had to refuse dozens of applications from people who
hear about them from friends, or who have stayed here in
the past and want to come back.

What inspires hundreds of people from all over the world to come back every year to Bar'Am, and
then subsequently refuse to leave? Part of the answer stems from the good conditions (5-days
workweek, monthly trip through the country, Internet, Playstation , and no less important - a pub
with free beer!) A central factor is the ambiance. The amazing landscape, the relative isolation and
the great number of co-volunteers creates a sparkling, young society with which it's fun to stay
along. Any criticism or complaints? From the many conversations I have had, I get the feeling that
it is almost utopia. You just don't hear anything negative from them".

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