MAHAL-IDF-Volunteers.org

aspielberg · Member Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

This has been touched a few times but never really answered. I am here in Israel looking for a place to live and I have more or less decided a kibbutz might be the best choice... I want to know how exactly one goes about getting adopted by a kibbutz, Ive talked to various agencies, and they have given me lists of kibutzim, most of which do not want volunteers.....
any info will help
thanks in advance

ecc1290 · Member Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 15

It depends, are you a tourist or did you make Aliyah? Is this a kibbutz that you want to live in during your army service, or you just want to volunteer there for a few months? Until you clarify, I can't really answer.

rafi · Administrator Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 486

I think there are some reasonable questions you should answer (for yourself) before you look for a kibbutz.

1. First and foremost, are you looking for a community that you want to spend the ret of your life at, contribute to and be a part of a society?

Or are you looking for free food and a place to sleep?

2. Have you estimated how much it costs a kibbutz to host you? What economic benefit will the kibbutz garner from having you?

Or is everyone just going to have less because you don't have any financial support and are looking for charity?

3. What skills are you offering the kibbutz? How many years do you consider reasonable for each year they clothe house and feed you, as well as tie up a living quarter while you are away in the army?

Once you answer these questions, you will be better prepared to seek out a kibbutz to live at, and have them take an interest in you.

See, the reality is, for tens of years (62 today!) young jews showed up on the doors of Kibbutzim and announced "I am here lucky kibbutz! Now invest thousands of dollars in me and maybe I'll live here." I'm sure this doesnt reflect upon you and your goals, but the scores who preceeded you who behaved this way ruined it (or made the kibbutzniks wake up) to the reality that have to spend money for an investment that seldom, if ever, pays off.
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aspielberg · Member Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

I would want to live there for my service, (the next 18 months). I am on an A2 visa, and have not made aliyah, but I am considering.

What would the kibbutz gain? the 1000 NIS+ check from the army. I am not looking to mooch.

Anyways thank you for the help, I have a number for the secretary of the kibbutz program , and apparently there is someone in charge of placing lone soldiers. Ill call tomorrow, and post numbers on here for future reference if all goes well.