Volunteers who flock to Israel

Press, 25 June 1981, Page 17

Volunteers who flock to Israel

Who are the volunteers who come from all over the world to Israel to work in a kibbutz? Some say it is a special kind of individual who tackles this adventure with all its challenges and frustrations. Every kibbutz is different, but the stories you hear of volunteers’ experiences have a similar thread. “Half these people would never speak to each other at home.” commented Jim the Scottish cynic. "Look — a lawyer and plumber laughing together. And that couple, she's a medical student and he washes dishes for a living in Amsterdam. It just wouldn’t work in Britain.” This cosmopolitan hodgepodge comes from all over the world. Many volunteers appear to be "between” things: suspended for a time between school and career, students on holiday between one year and the next, people floating after the breakdown of a relationship, or travell-

ers between Europe and the East. But this only serves to expand the spectrum of the experience and, although there are bound to be personalities that grate, the mingling is never dull. Volunteers are usually betwen 18 and 32 and must be physically and mentally fit. Working hard in a hot climate can strain the body, while settling down in a way of life vastly different to what most are accustomed to demands an ability toadapt. They are expected to work about six hours a day, six days a week, alongside members of the kibbutz. Work is either agricultural, domestic, or industrial. Shabat (the Sabbath Saturday) is always a holiday — but it is difficult to achieve a great deal because everything is closed and buses do not run from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. This time, combined with

the long afternoons, leaves a few people bored. But. as one New Zealander affirmed, “they'd be bored anywhere.” Nevertheless, it is wise to come prepared with something you enjoy and to make full use of the recreational facilities. There are usually stacks of English books available. You will undoubtedly spend many a Shabat morning drinking tea and chatting with these people from all corners of the globe. Some kibbutzim have a bar open several times a week where you may meet other young Israelis and kick up your heels to dance ... just be sure you can wake up on time for work the next morning. As for quarters, don't expect a Hilton Hotel. Facilities are simple but adequate. Volunteers are housed two. three, or four to a room, but couples will generally be given a room of their own. A small allowance is is-

sued to cover the cost of toiletries, cigarettes, and the occasional ice-cream. Two aerogramme letters are provided a week and laundry is done free. There is little need for anything else and money soon ceases to have much significance.

Some volunteers complain they are held apart from the kibbutzniks. There is some substance in this remark but members see faces come and go all summer and cannot be blamed for being hesitant in forming bonds with people who are likely to be moving on in a few weeks.

Any volunteer who feels little more than a cheap supply of labour must remember this, but the problem may be avoided by choosing off-season months when workers are less transient and vacancies easier to grasp. For this reason, Israel is a favourite place to spend winter. Kibbutzniks are more inclined to invest time in you then as they realise you will

be with them for at least a few months.

Communication may also be a barrier. Not only is there a language difference, but the Israelis' manner of speaking can sound loud and angry to the visitor. Add to this occasional overflows of impatience that naturally occur when people work closely together.

A "kibbutz work scheme may not be the easiest way to see Israel but it is the most challenging. To be sure, there are undeniable strengths, surprises, and weaknesses in the system as a permanent way of life. And there will always be' questions as to whether any group of human beings can, in reality, ever be 'totally

egalitarian. "But, for young people prepared to work well, there are some answers to be found here,” Rachel concluded. Whether there for answers or just the experience, those who have lived on a kibbutz come away a bit wiser — and usually with a fondness" for Israel and the Jewish people. And it is this feeling that is likely to remain as former volunteers the world over murmur, from time to time in reminiscence; the words of a Jewish poem:

"Oh that 1 had wings to fly with. Fly unto the land where flourish Almond tree and palm!"