Page 27 - C.A.L.L. #32 - Summer 2010
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movement has been in crisis. the kibbutz model," says Dita Kohl-
"We are in a situation of restarting the Roman, one of the directors.
whole thing," says Muki Tzur, a Yochanan Bayit, a resident with special
historian and former secretary-general needs, came to Kishorit five years ago
of the United Kibbutz Movement. and works in the community's television
Sitting in a park in Tel Aviv, he says he station.
is hopeful that the movement can "I came here to change my life. I have
survive this difficult time. interesting things to do," he says.
Kohl-Roman says the kibbutz members
here all have different backgrounds —
some are autistic, some are
schizophrenic, all have some form of
disability. Eventually, there will be a
community for family members
abutting Kishorit. A sister area for
Arab members with special needs is
also planned.
"The kibbutz has an enormous ability to
heal. The community life in the kibbutz,
Bryan Meadan walks down the stairs of the urban
Kibbutz Tamuz in Beit Shemesh, outside the fact that one celebrates the
Jerusalem, one of dozens of urban kibbutzim in holidays together, actually is very good
the country.
for people with special needs," Kohl-
"It's a pregnant movement. There are Roman says.
many directions, many adaptations; Having a place where no one judges you,
there are many new ideas that are where there is a safety network, she
coming through, and many old dreams says, is vital. "You have people who are
that couldn't be taking care of you here, and you have
accomplished in friends here. You
the past can be can help others
accomplished who are weaker
today," Tzur than you and you
says. "The can get help of
other members
kibbutz is in the Kishorit: Working on the largest who are stronger
hospital, but to go organic goat farm in Israel than you," she
to the hospital says.
doesn't mean that you are sick. As in a traditional kibbutz, everyone is
Sometimes you go to the hospital expected to work. There is a toy
because something is going to be born." factory, a goat farm and a kennel. Kohl-
Roman says there is nothing like
The Special-Needs Kibbutz Kishorit anywhere in the world.
"Kishorit is a home for life for adults She says she is excited by what's
with special needs located in the happening here. Far from the kibbutz
Galilee and has 140 members. The movement being dead and buried, she
vision of the founders was based on says, it is being reborn.
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