Kibbutzim And Moshavim : Isreal

Three percent of the Israeli population lives on kibbutzim (plural of kibbutz), somewhat socialist rural societies where production is controlled by members. Kibbutzim are responsible for a disproportionate amount of Israel’s agricultural, production, and political leadership. The kibbutzim of today hardly resemble the fiercely ideological pioneer agricultural settlements that began 80 years ago. Now most have diversified and rely more on industry than on agriculture. In addition, the passion for austerity is subsiding; kibbutzniks are now demanding the same luxuries enjoyed by other Israelis (larger living quarters, TVs, VCRs, Bart Simpson rhinestone jackets). Many kibbutz children now live with their parents, whereas just a decade or two ago nearly all lived in separate dormitories.

Today kibbutzim, like the family farm, face mounting problems, tabor shortages increase as two-thirds of younger members leave the settlements to test their skills elsewhere. In addition, debt is becoming a daunting threat; kibbutzim owe a collective US$4 billion, about US$31,000 for each kibbutznik.

Moshavim (plural of moshav), another type of rural settlements, provide roughly 40% of Israel’s food. Members of a moshav typically operate their own piece of land, though the marketing is often done as a collective. Some moshavim also have a crop that all members help cultivate. Moshavim do not have communal dining rooms like kibbutzim. Recently, many moshavim close to big cities have gone suburban.