The kibbutz ( communal settlement in Hebrew ), is a collectively owned and run community, based on the principle of joined ownership of property, equality and cooperation in different areas of life : production, consumption, education etc.
Israel's first kibbutz was called Degania and was launched in 1909. It was founded by Jews pioneers mainly from Eastern Europe. In the early days, kibbutz members worked mostly in agriculture. All money made there and all assets were shared collectively. Kibbutz members even ate together at a communal dining hall, wore the same clothes and shared responsibilities for child rearing, cultural programs, education and medical help ( to an extend).
After the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, 7,5 % of the country population lived on kibbutzim. The settlements played a key role in Israels's agricultural development. Previously barren lands were yielding crops, poultry, dairy and fish farming were blossoming.
The kibbutz also played a major role in the country's defense and political leadership. The settlements were strategically placed along the country's borders in order to protect the country from any invasion. Many of the country's top leaders in military and industry, and many politicians came from the kibbutz movement.
Overall, the kibbutz movement strengthened the country's sense of pride and unity as a new, strong, and capable nation.
