Kibbutz-nicks

Kibbutz Kfar Haruv 

Peace Vista Lodge

Soft breezes, warm

We are in the southern part of the Golan Heights at Kibbutz Kfar Haruv, having traveled from the most northerly part of Israel. The Peace Vista Lodge is a resort run by the kibbutz. We have a large, immaculate, comfortable log cabin with a tile roof perched on a basalt cliff high above the Sea of Galeilee.

A Breeze Over the Water

 The Sea of Galeilea below us is rippled by the breezes sweeping down the hills to the west.

As the sun sets  the lights of Tiberias appear (upper left) and of the kibbutzim (plural) far below us. The Sea of Galeilea appears in the middle.

The main source of income for the kibbutz is a factory that manufactures a valve to release air in water pipes. In addition the Dairy has 500 Holstein milk cows.

 The next generation of milk cows .

 Thirty six cows can be milked on this platform which rotates as the cows enter up a ramp. Each cow has a chip so they can be identified and monitored for production. After the first group, then the next 36 cows are milked, etc. Cows are milked 3x a day - so when one milking session has finished, it's almost time to start again!

Water is extracted from nanure and used for irrigation after proper filtering. The solids are used to produce energy through the release of methane.

All the energy used in the dairy is produced by solar energy (panels on roof and elsewhere).

 The Kibbutz offers a unique holistic experience floating in warm fresh or salt water pools to experience inner peacce.

 Although the tower looks something like a crazy sculpture, it functions as an air-raid siren. The bunker underneath was an original air-raid shelter. The young people of the Kibbutz painted the interior black and established the Kibbutz' first tavern.

The Kibbutz has evolved since its inception in 1973. Now members eat their large noon meal only in the communal dinning room. Breakfast and supper are in their homes.

 Our OAT group experienced life in a Kibbutz. We were needed in the kitchen to peel carrots and potatoes. Our job was done in no time. You could tell who had peeled a potatoe before and who hadn't! Toms of fun and no sliced knuckles.

 The current pub

Kibbutz members know that their young adult children (18 and older) will drink and they feel good knowing that it is on the property so no driving is involved.

 Attention preschool teachers! 

The children spend their days but not nights in a childrens house. This preschool childrens' house has a playground described by our guide as a "junk yard".  Old infant car seats mounted to plywood. Tables with blankets over them were "forts". Tens of measuring cups, plastic plates and bowls. The most brilliant thing I saw were the skillets and pans chained to the tree. Reminded me of my childhood...

 These are rental units for prospective new members of the Kibbutz. After a trial period of 18 months, the Kibbutz will vote on membership. Once in the Kibbutz you can't be kicked out, so both sides are cautious.