Kibbutz Gezer

Kibbutz Gezer is a kibbutz, or cooperative settlement, located in Central Israel. Originally founded in 1945, the kibbutz disbanded in 1963 and reestablished by a group of young Americans in 1973.
Economically, Gezer like many kibbutzim has changed and continues to change to fit the needs of the members and to adapt to surroundings and changes in Israeli society. While members are economically independent, Gezer has several commonly owned businesses, including a large dairy, farmland, olives, daycare and after school care (from infants to high school), second-hand shop, library, and grocery store. Our community governs itself through several committees including a central leadership committee, and via 3 elected leaders. Community meetings and direct voting decide crucial issues.
We support religious freedom, with a reform synagogue open to all who wish to attend. Jewish and state holidays are celebrated together in homemade fashion.
The physical design of the community is amenable to communal living. A ring road provides access to homes and businesses, while the center is car-free.
When founded in the 1970’s Gezer was into vegetarian, organic food and getting back to the land back, and was considered by our neighbors as American hippie. We take pride in that, although some of us have gone straighter. Our younger generation is picking up the momentum, and the community has a growing environmental and agricultural awareness. We have a new ecological garden, community gardens, and recycling center. We grow organic olives, spices, and lemons. An environmental committee open to everyone organizes events and meetings and tries to bring a more sustainable outlook to the community. Our social action committee helps communities and individuals in need, including 2 refugee families who now live with us. We recently installed solar panels on the roofs of the cowsheds, and are looking into expanding.