Kibbutz

Kibbutz, cooperative village or community, in Israel, where all property is collectively owned and work is organized on a collective basis. Members contribute by working according to their capacity and in return receive food, clothing, housing, medical services, and other domestic services according to their needs. Dining rooms, kitchens, and stores are central, and schools and children's dormitories are communal. Each village is governed by an elected assembly and by a vote of the membership. A kibbutz may support itself through agricultural, entrepreneurial, or industrial means.

The first kibbutz was founded on the bank of the Jordan River in 1909. This type of community was necessary to the early Jewish immigrants to Palestine. By living and working collectively, they were able to build homes and to begin to irrigate and farm the barren desert land. Each person could contribute individual abilities to the growth of the community.

Many kibbutzim were established along Israel's frontiers after independence in 1948, and they were essential in defending the new nation. Strategically located kibbutzim have been subject to attack from Palestinian forces. Kibbutz members, although a small percentage of the Israeli population, wield much political power.

See also Communal Living.