OF THIS AND THAT – MATZUVA JULY 2008

Archives: After many years of devoted work in the Matzuva archives Shimshon Cochavi has finally retired from this position. In addition both the museum and archives are destined to be moved from the Beitan building to the stone building next to the bus station.

Swimming Pool: As one would say “better late than never!” – The pool finally opened last Thursday after a settlement was reached with last years operators. A firm with a franchise for country clubs and swimming pools will take up the reins for the running and maintenance of the pool with users (residents and visitors) purchasing season or daily entrance tickets.

Infrastructures: Shortly infrastructure work is to begin with some of the internal roads and parking facilities in order to partly solve problems with parking and road safety within the kibbutz. Following the “privatization” process the kibbutz no longer has a car pool and the majority of families have a vehicle next to or near their apartments (sometimes illegally parking on lawns). The parking problem has to be solved.

Public Transport: The bus services to and from Nahariya now arrive at Matzuva from two directions – one via Kabri junction and the other via Gesher Haziv and the coast road. The downside is that both buses now take a circular route and it lengthens journey time.

Trees: With the widening of roads and parking spots a number of trees and green areas may be affected. The forestation law states that the uprooting of protected trees requires written permission of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). We hope that this environmental damage will be minimal.

Mobile Post strike: Matzuva along with the northern and southern periphery areas of Israel has just emerged from a 3-week strike by the mobile postal service. This was a particularly difficult period for both individuals and businesses without mail. This was quite outrageous because, in contrast, in the influential and powerful Tel Aviv and central areas of the country it was a case of business as usual.

Water: With the Sea of Galilee falling to the lowest water level marker for quite a number of years – water has to be used sparingly with heavy surcharges for those exceeding quotas.

Dining Room: The kibbutz dining room and kitchen has been rented out to a firm destined to produce pastas and other food products. The food plant is not yet in production and not known when it will begin. It is sad to see the end of one of the traditional kibbutz central institutions but the rental does go to cover the kibbutz debt.

Communications; Very shortly a decision will be taken on how we are to move forward with Internet, telephony and television services on the kibbutz. Proposals and price quotations have been submitted and the kibbutz committee will weigh up all the options and come to a decision that we hope will satisfy at least the majority. Each member and resident pays personally for these services.

Kehilat Matzuva: Steps are underway to encourage more active support and participation of Matzuva members and residents to become involved in the Matzuva Synagogue. Matzuva is a pluralistic but mainly secular society but the synagogue ad-hoc committee feels it is important that the community has a place of worship for those who wish to. Each year more and more families celebrate bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies at the synagogue.

Avocado Matzuva: The avocado section of the Matzuva agricultural branches has been awarded a diploma in recognition of it attaining the best results in the Western Galilee region during the Avocado season 2007/2008.

First in avocado yields per acre!, First in income per ton! And First in income per acre!. Our congratulations to all involved – Well done!

Have a good week

Regards

Baruch