A Study on the Communalism Philosophy in Israeli Kibbutzim

Abstract

Israeli Kibbutzmay be called socialistic community of Israel. Since the establishment of the first Kibbutzto today, there has been more than 100 years. As theoretical basis, the Communalism philosophy in those Kibbutzim holds a complete system. Generally speaking, “Collective Experience” is the practical basis; while “Equality and Partnership”, “Mutual Responsibility”, “Work”, “Communion”, “Solidarity” and “Democracy” are the six core concepts which form a dynamic and complete system, maintaining the functioning of a community. The three kinds of Marxism, which serve as ideologies in Israeli Kibbutzim, are the products of the localization of Marxism in Israel. Nowadays, they still more or less remain in those communities.  However, we need to note that Israeli Kibbutzim encountered serious problems in the end of 20th century. Those problems were mainly caused by the closed and self-contained Communalism philosophy in Kibbutzim. In a word, if Kibbutzim want to have a better future, the only choice is to reform this philosophical theory.