Well if you fancy a working holiday where you get free
accommodation, free meals, and free pocket money then working on a kibbutz
in Israel is right for you just as it has been for thousands before you.
To work on a kibbutz you should be aged between 18 and
32, physically and mentally fit. You will need references, a medical certificate
and a special entry visa. Kibbutz members will not accept pregnant women,
or families with young children.
The first Kibbutz was set up in 1909 and since then there
are literally hundreds scattered around Israel. Kibbutz are rural communities
where work, income and property are shared by its members and were set
up in an attempt to avoid exploitation without the need to accumulate
individual wealth.
Young people generally decide to venture into kibbutz
life as a volunteer for all sorts of reasons; to experience a communal
lifestyle; to be able to spend some time in Israel; to meet young backpackers
from all over the world, to have a complete change from one's previous
situation or just to have the opportunity to work outside in the fields,
picking fruit or milking cows
Kibbutz members generally work within their community
in agriculture, light industry, and the service areas, which include tourism,
education, and landscaping. The daily work schedule is organised by the
work co-ordinator, according to the needs of the kibbutz and each member's
long-term work placement.
There are opportunities to live and work on a kibbutz
for a few weeks, although some have a minimum of 8 weeks up to generally
a maximum of 3 months, but for some you can stay for much longer. Work
on a kibbutz isn't easy - you will be expected to work as hard as the
kibbutz members which means 6.5 to 8 hours per day (work normally starts
early at about 5am, so that you are finished before the day gets too hot),
and for 6 days of the week, Saturdays are free and you will get 2 days
off at the end of the month. Normally, kibbutz volunteers are taken on
a three-day trip every three or four months, paid for by the kibbutz.
Places can include Eilat, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, depending on the Kibbutz
and area you choose.
The kibbutz volunteers’ rooms are pretty sparse
with generally a bed with a sheet, table, chair and a small wardrobe.
The windows may not be covered with curtains and the walls may have graffiti
on them. But to be honest you will probably spend very little time in
your room, except for sleeping, parties and a little privacy sometimes.
When you start at a kibbutz you won’t have
a choice of what job you can do but most new volunteers start in the dining
room or kitchen areas. At least tea and coffee is on tap!!
You don’t need to worry about ruining any
of your own clothes while working since the kibbutz will provide you with
free working clothes, boots and a laundry service.
You will be expected to work hard but everything
is free and most kibbutz also have a swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium
and some even provide free alcohol once a week. The bar/pub on site will
charge for the rest of the week. You will receive a small amount of ‘pocket
money’ and this can be used for the beer which is cheap and plentiful.
Certain basic toiletries including condoms and airmail letters are provided
free.
You will definitely make new friends from all
over the world. It is very social on a kibbutz with plenty of parties
and barbeques and because you are all there for the same purpose you all
stick together, so even if you are traveling alone don’t worry a
kibbutz is probably the best place to go.
