Volunteering in a Kibbutz
For people looking to immerse themselves in a different culture and spend time working abroad then Israel's kibbutzim must be considered.
A kibbutz (from the Hebrew word for group) is a voluntary, democratic community where people live and work together on a non-profit, non-competitive basis. Private property is limited to personal possessions.
There are currently over 270 kibbutzim in Israel , varying in size from 100 to 2,000 members. In total kibbutz members number 120,000, which represents approximately 2.8 per cent of Israel 's population.
All kibbutzim have permanent members - kibbutzniks - but they all take on volunteer workers who live and work on the kibbutz for anything between five weeks and three months (although this can easily be extended). The kibbutzniks have their own living units but meals are taken together in the communal hall.
Points to Consider before you go to a Kibbutz as a Volunteer Worker
- You must be in good physical and mental shape.
- You will have to work long hours, six days a week, doing whatever jobs you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchens, picking melons or raising chickens.
- You will be sleeping in cramped, spartan conditions.
- You will have to conform to the rules and regulations of the kibbutz for the period you are living there.
- Although you will be doing the same work as the kibbutzniks you will be treated like an outsider if you do not accept their way of life.
How do I Apply to be a Volunteer?
In Britain there is one organisation involved in sending volunteers to kibbutzim:
Kibbutz Representatives
1A Accommodation Road
London
NW11 8EO
Tel: (020) 8458 9235.
They make arrangements for three types of volunteers:
- Working Visitor - you are required to work for a certain amount of time and the rest of the day is your own. You must commit yourself for at least 8 weeks.
- Working Hebrew - in addition to your daily duties you have the opportunity to study Hebrew for 12 hours a week.
- Ulpan - designed mainly for people wishing to convert to the Jewish religion. Courses last for 5 months.
