VOLUNTEERS FOREVER!
The Kibbutz Movement weekly newspaper, “HaDaf HaYaroK” printed an article about the Volunteers in
Kibbutzim Enterprise as it stands today.
THE BIG DEMAND: THE KIBBUTZ MOVEMENT IS LOOKING FOR KIBBUTZIM WHO WILL ONCE
AGAIN RECEIVE VOLUNTEERS FROM ABROAD
In 2007 1,500 volunteers arrived in Israel but only 30 kibbutzim were partners
in this enterprise. The movement is looking for a further ten kibbutzim to join
in.
In a letter written two weeks ago to all the kibbutzim, Rina
Keren, coordinator of the overseas volunteers
enterprise of the kibbutz movement, asked more kibbutzim to rejoin the
enterprise. The reason, during the last few months there has been a sharp rise
in the demand to volunteer to work in the kibbutzim and the same time to know
about
The volunteer enterprise began 40 years ago and up until today 350,000 young
persons from all over the world have experienced this unique experience of
spending time working on a kibbutz in Israel.
The Intifada El-Aksa (Fall
2000) almost entirely wiped out the enterprise along with the security
situation and some countries boycotting
Since 2007 there has been a reawakening and many persons apply to be volunteers
at a kibbutz. In 2007 1,500 volunteers arrived divided amongst 30 kibbutzim
from the Arava in the south to Baram
on the Lebanese border. The volunteers come from
The kibbutz has to provide suitable accommodation and services and find a
suitable coordinator who will ensure they have work and employment. During
their stay ranging from 3 – 6 months they will become acquainted with
The general secretary of the kibbutz movement, Gavri Bargil, stressed the importance of the enterprise for
kibbutzim from a social aspect and for the State of Israel in the world. More
than 90% of volunteers surveyed on their kibbutz volunteering experience
described it as good experience.
Submitted by Baruch Kadmon
