Reimagining the Kibbutz for a New Generation

What does pioneering look like for a 25 year old living in Israel today?

For dozens of young adults moving this month into three new Young Educators Kibbutzim in Nesher, Bat Yam, and Be’er Sheva, it means choosing to build their lives around community, responsibility, and contributing to Israeli society.

"One of the most meaningful things is being together, learning new things, and simply having fun." - Golan Lin

In Nesher, a city near Haifa, 35 young adults ages 21 to 28 are establishing a new Young Educators Kibbutz. Another 30 are establishing one in the central city of Bat Yam, alongside a smaller community in Be’er Sheva. They come from different backgrounds and communities across Israel, including olim (new immigrants).

It is a modern interpretation of the kibbutz idea: building community within the city and for the city.

For Golan Lin, 26, head coordinator of the Kibbutz in Nesher, the model responds to something many young adults are searching for: community and meaning at a time when much of life is focused on studies, careers, and the future.

“We want to create an environment that allows people to live according to their values,” Golan explains.

In Nesher, every kibbutz member will volunteer locally through a scholarship supported by the municipality. Next year, the Kibbutzim plan to welcome local students and other young adults, widening the Kibbutz community and circle of impact.

Creating communities allows young people to fulfill their values

In Bat Yam, the community is already taking physical shape. Almost all 30 members have moved into the same two buildings. Nevo Tahar Lev, 24, head coordinator of the Bat Yam kibbutz, hopes their shared home will strengthen relationships while becoming “a center for young people from all over who want to create things together.”

The group is also working closely with the Bat Yam municipality and is now developing its projects for the coming year, with the hope of eventually inviting more local young adults to join.

Moving into the new Bat Yam kibbutz

We are especially grateful to our partners at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for supporting the Dror Israel Young Educators Kibbutz in Bat Yam and helping this new community take root.

As members unpack their moving boxes in three cities, they are reimagining an old Israeli idea for a new generation: building meaningful lives together while strengthening the communities and country around them.