Kibbutz Samar

Israel-Palestine

A secular kibbutz in the Negev desert known for its egalitarian structure, direct democracy, and artistic community.

Key facts

  • Country: Israel-Palestine
  • Founded: 1976
  • Members: 254
  • Land size: 4000 dunams
  • Governance model: Weekly general assembly - direct democracy
  • Economy model: Shared income and expenses, equal distribution
  • Ownership model: Collective ownership
  • Status: active

About

A secular kibbutz of around 150 people in the Negev desert, founded in 1976. No formal rulebook, no individual budgets, direct democracy in everything. Uriel puts it plainly: a kibbutz is first and foremost a community with economic partnership, and that barely exists anywhere in the world. Five published interviews.

Full description

Kibbutz Samar is a small, secular kibbutz located in the southern Arava valley of Israel-Palestine, founded in 1976. It is known for maintaining traditional kibbutz values of equality and communal living while adapting to modern challenges. The community practices direct democracy, economic equality, and collective childcare. Many members are involved in arts, crafts, and alternative education.

Research summary

Kibbutz Samar is a unique intentional community in Israel-Palestine that thrives on a blend of communal living and individual responsibility. Established as a place of collective values, the kibbutz has evolved over the years from a decentralized model to a structure that promotes personal autonomy while maintaining communal ties. Members express a profound sense of belonging and connection, even amidst the challenges posed by change and the tension between tradition and modernity. The community's economy is rooted in agriculture, particularly date production, which serves as both a livelihood and a social nexus for members. Despite the strength of their bonds, residents also navigate conflicts, particularly around governance and transparency, underscoring the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility that defines life in this kibbutz.

Themes

Quotes from members

If you’re willing to take responsibility you can pretty much make your life the way you want.

Eileen Mascot

A kibbutz is first and foremost a community with economic partnership, and that is something that barely exists in the world.

Uriel

Freedom can be as heavy as it is liberating.

Nirit and Yuval Ketner

Timeline

1973
Founders first proposed starting a new kibbutz in the Arava or Golan Heights in September, within the framework of the kibbutz movement, just before the Yom Kippur war.
1976
Founded by a group of about 25 young people in the southern Arava valley, 37 km north of Eilat. Founding principle: no committees, no bylaws, no bosses; the individual decides for themselves and holds ultimate responsibility.
2014
Featured in The Jerusalem Post Magazine as 'the last living kibbutz' still resisting privatization, while 188 of 264 Israeli kibbutzim had transitioned to the privatized 'renewed kibbutz' model.
2024
Began a roughly two-year privatization process, ending five decades as one of the few Israeli kibbutzim that had resisted the privatization wave.
2026
Privatization finalized. Samar completed its transition to the 'renewed kibbutz' model, with members holding individual financial responsibility instead of the fully shared economic structure that had defined the community since 1976.

Research insights (111)

  • Across long-running communities, the question of how members grow old is decided by whether the founding cohort writes its second decade while still in the first. Samar carries its elders through daily fabric (meals, the dining room, the willingness to keep showing up across decades of argument). Tamera is now mid-handoff, structuring authority transfer to a second generation through sociocracy after a 2021 facilitator named the place a low-trust environment. Communities that did not do this work, the Farm, Findhorn, Sandhill Farm, drifted toward elder-home or dissolution patterns. [belonging]
  • Economic fluctuations in Kibbutz Samar are openly shared among members, fostering a collective ownership of both successes and challenges, which strengthens community ties but can also lead to shared burdens during downturns. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [money]
  • Living in an intentional community requires a long-term commitment and understanding of the complexities involved in close relationships, as interactions are influenced by shared history and emotional bonds. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • Interpersonal conflict in Kibbutz Samar tends to be contained and does not escalate into open battles, partly due to the absence of a centralized authority that could dominate the conversation. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [conflict]
  • The community participates in creative practices and cultural events that utilize the junkyard, revealing a blend of utilitarian and artistic approaches to social gatherings. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • The decision-making in Kibbutz Samar is characterized by open discussions where all members can voice their opinions, ensuring transparency and participation, though this openness can lead to messy negotiations. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • Yaniv discusses the evolution of space within Kibbutz Samar, emphasizing that the junkyard has transitioned from a chaotic space to a cultural center that allows for artistic expression and community engagement. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • Living in close quarters over long periods fosters deep relationships marked by both intimacy and conflict, with individuals needing to navigate shared histories and personal transformations. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • The community's economic model lacks clear communication and budgetary awareness, resulting in dependencies and tensions that inhibit adaptation to economic changes. (Yaniv) [money]
  • Yaniv notes that while there's collaboration among community members, effective communication regarding roles and responsibilities is low, leading to unresolved tensions and inefficiencies in decision-making. (Yaniv) [governance]
  • Artistic activities in the community are interwoven with everyday life, where installations and performances happen organically, shaped by the community's interactions and individual initiatives. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • Yaniv emphasizes the role of the junkyard as a culturally significant space in Kibbutz Samar, where it has transformed into a hub for artistic expression, play, and community interactions, reflecting the community's evolving values around waste and creativity. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • Members of Kibbutz Samar experience a strong sense of belonging through the freedom to raise children in a supportive environment that promotes independence, responsibility, and communal safety. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [belonging]
  • The communal agriculture practice, especially the date production, serves not only as an economic base but also as a central part of community identity and social interaction, reinforcing cultural ties among members. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [culture]
  • The economic model in Kibbutz Samar is characterized by transparency in financial affairs, allowing all members to be aware of the community's economic situation, which enhances feelings of partnership during both prosperous and challenging times. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [money]
  • Conflicts in Kibbutz Samar, though present, are processed internally and do not escalate into major disputes, indicating a community culture that emphasizes finding resolutions without resorting to confrontation. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [conflict]
  • Decision-making occurs in an open forum where all members can propose ideas and share opinions, reflecting a democratic process that encourages participation and dialogue among residents. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • The governance structure in Kibbutz Samar fosters a sense of partnership and individual autonomy, emphasizing negotiation in decision-making over rigid authority, which empowers individuals to take responsibility for their roles within the community. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • The interviewee indicates that interpersonal conflicts and disagreements are an integral part of communal living, while emphasizing the necessity for communication and patience in resolving tensions, suggesting an implicit understanding of restorative practices among residents. (Yaniv) [conflict]
  • Yaniv claims that living in the kibbutz fosters a deep sense of connection and history among residents, suggesting that long-term relationships and shared experiences shape their collective identity and impact their interactions. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • The community has embraced artistic expression as a vital part of its identity, utilizing spaces like the junkyard as venues for cultural activities, art projects, and community gatherings, thereby transforming waste into creative outlets. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • Yaniv describes the kibbutz as having a unique relationship with waste management, where disposal of items is managed through a collective practice, enabling reuse instead of purchasing new items. This reflects a decentralized system of resource distribution that prioritizes community needs over individual economic pressures. (Yaniv) [money]
  • The kibbutz exemplifies a collective approach to life that requires both physical and emotional commitment, with members often grappling with the implications of long-term cohabitation and shared responsibilities. (Yaniv) [joining]
  • Communication within the kibbutz is both collaborative and strained, as members share resources but struggle with personal tensions and a lack of effective dialogue, leading to unresolved issues and emotional distance. (Yaniv) [conflict]
  • The community's dynamic necessitates a long-term commitment from its members, emphasizing the importance of intimate knowledge of one another's lives, which is both a source of support and a potential source of conflict. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • Eileen advocates against formal membership voting processes, suggesting that a more organic approach to community inclusion would prevent divisions and dissatisfaction among members concerning acceptance and working culture. (Eileen Mascot) [joining]
  • Artistic expression is fostered in the kibbutz through the repurposing of abandoned spaces and materials, creating a cultural hub that reflects the community's history and evolving identity. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • The process of becoming a member of Kibbutz Samar has become more structured and restrictive over the years, reflecting a shift from informal acceptance to a formal voting system that limits inclusion and membership pathways, resulting in feelings of exclusion among long-term residents. (Eileen Mascot) [belonging]
  • The kibbutz operates with a unique economic model that reflects a blend of cooperation and obligation, with a focus on communal sharing of resources and efforts, although this practice is complicated by stress and the need for individual financial survival. (Yaniv) [money]
  • Initially, Kibbutz Samar operated under an open money system where financial boundaries were blurred, allowing members to participate freely; however, this has evolved into clearer distinctions regarding personal and communal finances, leading to tensions over resource allocation and entitlements. (Eileen Mascot) [money]
  • Eileen describes a culture of direct conflict resolution where members are encouraged to address their disagreements personally, though this has led to tensions and unaddressed conflicts as involvement in personal disputes can be daunting. (Eileen Mascot) [conflict]
  • Kibbutz Samar has shifted from a loosely structured community with minimal governance to a more institutionally governed group that relies heavily on voting and formalized processes, distancing itself from its earlier anarchistic principles. (Eileen Mascot) [governance]
  • The presence of an alternative home provides members with a sense of security and choice, making their commitment to Kibbutz Samar a continual, voluntary act rather than an obligation. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [joining]
  • Members feel a strong sense of belonging through the freedom to shape their lives, including raising children in a supportive, communal environment that emphasizes shared experiences. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [belonging]
  • Uriel believes that a community needs to redefine its joining criteria to ensure that new members feel truly integrated and connected to the overarching purpose, which must go beyond mere economic partnership. (Uriel) [joining]
  • The economic model of Kibbutz Samar fluctuates, relying heavily on successful periods with their date business, fostering a collective awareness of financial conditions among members. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [money]
  • Although members experience emotional struggles, there are limited formal methods for expressing feelings, leading to unresolved tensions that can affect community well-being. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [conflict]
  • Uriel indicates that the kibbutz’s sense of belonging relies on fostering personal connections and trust among members, highlighting the importance of a relational foundation for collective identity. (Uriel) [belonging]
  • Conflicts are present but tend to remain contained and manageable due to the absence of centralized power, allowing for negotiation rather than confrontation among members. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [conflict]
  • The culture of Kibbutz Samar emphasizes a transition from a collective labor ideology to one that values individual contributions while fostering mutual respect and understanding of personal needs. (Uriel) [culture]
  • The kibbutz has moved away from financial forced equality, recognizing that economic partnerships must reflect individual needs and security, promoting a culture where respect and personal achievement are valued instead. (Uriel) [money]
  • Decisions are made in community discussions where collective input is encouraged, leading to a sense of shared ownership and transparency in the kibbutz's operations. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • Uriel observes that communities can struggle with conflicts and frustrations when deeper connections and shared values are lacking, suggesting that the absence of a strong ideological foundation leads to social disengagement. (Uriel) [conflict]
  • The decision-making structure in Kibbutz Samar is based on open negotiations where every member has the opportunity to participate, fostering a culture of democracy and collective responsibility. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • Kibbutz Samar has adapted its governance model to prioritize personal responsibility and freedom, moving away from rigid imposed equality to a partnership that respects individual choices while maintaining communal accountability. (Uriel) [governance]
  • Membership in Kibbutz Samar historically lacked strict criteria and was based on presence and participation, indicating a flexible approach to belonging that is now being reevaluated as the community seeks to establish clearer norms amid change. (Nir Menachem) [joining]
  • The community's high level of interpersonal intimacy and familiarity contrasts with the current challenges of maintaining close relationships as they shift towards a more individualistic model. (Nir Menachem) [belonging]
  • Samar is transitioning from a fully collective economic model to a structure where individual responsibility for income and self-sufficiency becomes prioritized, indicating a shift towards privatization. (Nir Menachem) [money]
  • The lack of established communication mechanisms and conflict resolution practices has contributed to rising tensions and unaddressed grievances within the community. (Nir Menachem) [conflict]
  • Kibbutz Samar employs a decentralized decision-making structure where community members have a significant say, yet this leads to challenges in accountability and coherence as individual actions can deviate from collective decisions. (Nir Menachem) [governance]
  • The rigid criteria for membership and increased focus on formal voting have complicated the integration of new members, with Eileen advocating for a more open and welcoming approach to newcomers. (Eileen Mascot) [joining]
  • Eileen reflects on the cultural richness of Kibbutz Samar, where artistic and creative expressions were prevalent, contributing to a vibrant community life that has changed with increasing structure. (Eileen Mascot) [culture]
  • Eileen notes that the change from a communal to a more privatized economic model has led to a differentiation between personal and community resources, impacting the original collaborative spirit of the kibbutz. (Eileen Mascot) [money]
  • The evolving membership criteria and the institutionalization of voting for community acceptance have created tension and a sense of exclusion among residents, contrasting with earlier practices of more fluid membership. (Eileen Mascot) [belonging]
  • Eileen emphasizes the need for conflict resolution mechanisms and expresses concern over interpersonal conflicts that have arisen from ambiguous membership and commitment issues within the community. (Eileen Mascot) [conflict]
  • Eileen highlights a culture where community members previously operated on personal initiative and informal agreements rather than through rules and regulations, indicating a significant cultural shift over the years. (Eileen Mascot) [governance]
  • Samar's governance has shifted from a loosely organized, anarchistic structure to a more institutionalized framework with increased voting and formal committees, affecting the sense of community responsibility. (Eileen Mascot) [governance]
  • Yaniv notes that the kibbutz experiences low levels of communication among members, which can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements, particularly when facing economic hardships. (Yaniv) [conflict]
  • Yaniv claims that living in a close-knit community requires a long-term commitment to shared values and sustainable practices, which can lead to complex interpersonal dynamics and emotional burdens. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • The junkyard serves not only as a space for waste management but has become a cultural hub for artistic expression and community gatherings, transitioning from a place of clutter to a site of creativity and sociability. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • The option for members to leave or create their own paths reinforces their commitment to the community, as the choice to stay is made consciously and regularly. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [joining]
  • Yaniv emphasizes the need for efficient resource management, particularly regarding waste, highlighting the importance of organizing and recycling materials in a community with limited resources. (Yaniv) [money]
  • The experience of raising children in the kibbutz with a high level of freedom contributes significantly to the sense of belonging and security felt by families within the community. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [belonging]
  • Agricultural practices, particularly date farming, serve not only as an economic foundation but also as a cultural centerpiece that fosters community interaction and identity. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [culture]
  • The community shares a transparent approach to economic conditions, where all members are informed about financial status, fostering a sense of partnership in both good times and bad. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [money]
  • While interpersonal tensions occur, they rarely escalate into major conflicts due to the community's culture of open dialogue and negotiation, which discourages aggressive confrontations. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [conflict]
  • The absence of rigid structures allows for daily personal choice, which is both a source of freedom and potential instability among community members. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • The community operates through a decentralized decision-making structure where members engage in open discussions and negotiations, which reinforces individual autonomy and collective responsibility. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [governance]
  • Entering Kibbutz Samar historically did not involve formal barriers, which has shifted; new processes for membership entail clearer definitions and expectations as the community transitions to a structure incorporating individual economic independence. (Nir Menachem) [joining]
  • Belonging in Kibbutz Samar relies heavily on deep interpersonal relationships and community intimacy, with an emphasis on knowing one's neighbors and their families, fostering a supportive environment but also creating expectations for responsibility toward one another. (Nir Menachem) [belonging]
  • Economic practices in Kibbutz Samar emphasize individual responsibility for livelihood rather than communal support, moving away from the traditional kibbutz model of mutual aid, which is becoming less sustainable, particularly for aging members. (Nir Menachem) [money]
  • The kibbutz struggles with managing tensions arising from its high level of autonomy, where any member can act against group decisions without significant repercussions, leading to unresolved conflicts and frictions. (Nir Menachem) [conflict]
  • Decisions in Kibbutz Samar are made collectively during kibbutz meetings, which can occur variably from weekly to monthly, demonstrating a reliance on community engagement for governance despite the potential for discord when decisions are not actioned uniformly by members. (Nir Menachem) [governance]
  • Kibbutz Samar operates on a decentralized governance model where no single person has authority over others, and decision-making is largely done through a collective General Assembly where members actively participate and express their perspectives, although informal hierarchies can still exist. (Nir Menachem) [governance]
  • Kibbutz Samar fosters a culture where respect is earned through contribution and collective work, echoing a historical 'religion of labor' philosophy that has since required reevaluation. (Uriel) [culture]
  • The sustainability of a community relies on deeper connections among members beyond ideology, suggesting that shared values like love and trust are vital. (Uriel) [belonging]
  • The kibbutz model highlights a struggle between maintaining economic partnership and individual economic security, emphasizing the importance of adapting financial structures to ensure community survival. (Uriel) [money]
  • Successful transitions in kibbutzim involve dismantling outdated systems and creating new structures that accommodate current economic realities. (Uriel) [governance]
  • Kibbutz Samar shifted from enforced equality to allowing individual choice while maintaining a sense of communal responsibility and partnership. (Uriel) [governance]
  • Yaniv claims that newcomers often romanticize communal living without understanding the complexities and shared burdens of long-term collaboration in a kibbutz, indicating a gap in preparation for communal life. (Yaniv) [joining]
  • The sense of community is intricately tied with the physical space of the kibbutz, where shared experiences and the management of collective waste create a unique culture of belonging through environmental shared responsibilities. (Yaniv) [belonging]
  • Yaniv asserts that the ongoing artistic developments in the area are fueled by a collective desire to use available resources creatively, facilitating a sense of shared ownership and expression among members. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • The emergence of the junkyard as a cultural center indicates that the community utilizes repurposed materials and informal spaces to foster artistic expression and cultural activities, transforming waste into a site of creative collaboration. (Yaniv) [culture]
  • Yaniv's narrative indicates a recurring struggle with managing conflict and emotional labor, suggesting that the community's members often have unresolved tensions that stem from living closely and sharing many aspects of their lives. (Yaniv) [conflict]
  • Yaniv highlights the persistent challenges of communication within the community, noting that while there is a high level of collaboration, genuine communication about shared concerns and decisions is often lacking. (Yaniv) [conflict]
  • The emphasis on 'the religion of labor' and personal responsibility illustrates how cultural practices in Kibbutz Samar have shifted to prioritize individual contributions and respect over rigid equality. (Uriel) [culture]
  • Successful communities require more than just economic ties; they need a sense of mutual responsibility and deeper emotional connections among their members. (Uriel) [belonging]
  • Uriel believes that a strong foundational ideology, akin to shared values or spiritual beliefs, is crucial for fostering deep connections in a community, which can prevent fragmentation during tough times. (Uriel) [belonging]
  • The shift from enforced economic equality to a model where respect and personal choice dictate contributions reflects a more individualized approach to labor and resource distribution in the community. (Uriel) [money]
  • Uriel points out that unresolved issues can lead to members distancing themselves from communal events and relationships, emphasizing the need for deep connections and proactive conflict resolution. (Uriel) [conflict]
  • Uriel discusses the necessity of dismantling outdated systems to create a more trusting and cooperative community framework, indicating that leadership should be based on authenticity and mutual respect. (Uriel) [governance]
  • The kibbutz community must adapt its structures to align with modern economic realities to thrive, as rigid adherence to past models can hinder trust and cooperation. (Uriel) [governance]
  • Eileen advocates against formal voting for membership, suggesting that a more open approach to inclusion could help keep the community vital and adaptable to change. (Eileen Mascot) [joining]
  • Membership pathways have transitioned from informal acceptance based on presence to formalized voting processes, which has led to increased tension regarding who belongs and who does not. (Eileen Mascot) [belonging]
  • The community historically operated on an open money system that blurred individual and communal financial identities, but recent shifts towards privatization have created divisions and tensions around economic responsibilities. (Eileen Mascot) [money]
  • The increasing differentiation between individual and community responsibilities led to unresolved interpersonal conflicts and difficulties in problem-solving due to diverse philosophies among community members. (Eileen Mascot) [conflict]
  • Kibbutz Samar evolved from a loosely organized structure with minimal rules to a more regulated environment with increased committees and voting, reflecting a shift towards institutionalization and bureaucracy. (Eileen Mascot) [governance]
  • The community operates on the premise that individuals are responsible for their own livelihoods and paths, necessitating initiative and the ability to negotiate for support. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [joining]
  • The ability to raise children in a free environment, coupled with the sense of community and mutual support, is seen as a major factor in the family-oriented nature of Kibbutz Samar. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [belonging]
  • The community's economy fluctuates with the success of their date-drying business, emphasizing a transparent approach to financial health where all members are aware of economic conditions. (Nirit and Yuval Ketner) [money]

Interviews (5)