Israeli agricultural communities shift away from socialist following decline

World Today

Isreal’s Kibbutz were communal agricultural communities associated with the early days of the country’s statehood were formed on socialist ideals of equality, sharing and non-ownership.

But, in recent decades, those ideals have shifted towards commercialism and privatization.

CCTV’s Stephanie Freid has this report.

The communal societies were formed in the early 20th century by pioneers who farmed the land together, ate meals in communal dining rooms and had no private possessions: earnings, gifts and cars were shared.

But financial and population decline in the 80’s and 90’s led to privatization.

Abandoned structures have been replaced by high tech. Hired foreign workers tend to the cash crops as kibbutz members increasingly work off-site in nearby cities.

Gone are the hallmark communal dining halls.

In their stead, elaborate and catered meals for cash venues.