The fundamentals of the kibbutz

The purpose of the kibbutz, a free union of a group of people, are: settlement, absorption of new members, maintenance of a well organized community (based on general ownership) self support, equality and cooperation at all production, consumption and education spheres.

The kibbutz considers itself as an integral part of the Hebrew labor union in Israel and strives to establish the Jewish people in Israel as a labor society, based on the fundamentals of social and economic equality.

Each kibbutz member can choose the spot of his permanent residence inside the settlement (see: “the kibbutz settlement”) In turn he gives the utmost of his labor ability to the kibbutz and hands over all of his incomes and properties in his possession. The kibbutz appoints each member and each person legally living on the kibbutz, a job and supplies all his needs. (see:”depending on the member”), according to his ability (and all the mentioned above according to the rules agreed on by it’s authorized institutions.)

The goals of the kibbutz are:

1. to establish and maintain a settlement, based on agriculture, industry, crafts, or any other kind of branch and to design permanent residence for the kibbutz members.
1. to establish, maintain, run and develop the agriculture, craft and industry settlement, as well as economic operators of any kind. Provide a job for kibbutz members inside as well as outside of the kibbutz.
1. to provide economic, social , educational and personal needs of the kibbutz members and all those, legally living on the kibbutz, to take care of their health, to establish and maintain services and to insure a high standard of living for the members and for those depending on them (according to economic possibilities of the kibbutz, keeping in mind the needs for development of the settlement and other purposes).
1. to provide municipal and other public services within the kibbutz, therefore a local authority, which delegates all institutes that shall be established.
1. to nourish companionship and friendship amongst the kibbutz members.
1. to nourish personal abilities, collective abilities and personalities of the kibbutz members in society, economy, culture, science and craft.
1. to encourage female kibbutz members to strive for equality at the social, economic, educational, public and movement level.
1. to educate the children of the kibbutz members, nourish them and raise the level of education, to show them the kibbutz in the future and their role in it, to take care of their training and absorption as kibbutz members and loyal citizens of Israel.
1. to absorb new immigrants and new members.
1. to absorb Israeli and immigrating youth and teach them the aspects of kibbutz life.
1. to nourish, together with other kibbutzim with the same interests, new and young kibbutzim (who have lately joined the organization), to encourage the kibbutz settlements and it’s values; mutual help on social, security, economical and cultural grounds (according to the decisions of the kibbutz or terms of reference of the movement adopted by the kibbutz).
1. to supply mutual help to other kibbutzim or settlements in the area, join their factories and industries.
1. to fulfill tasks which fortify the economy, the security and the position of the state of Israel, as well as the position of all laborers and the movement, as adopted by the kibbutz.

The general meeting;

• The general meeting is the highest authority of the kibbutz, can decide on every matter, concerning the goals and competence of the kibbutz, as long as they do not contradict the fundamentals of the kibbutz.
• The general meeting elects a secretarial committee, which is allowed to elect a local council, specialized committees, general secretary and others, willing to take responsibility. The general meeting decides on matters of authorization and their tasks with some exceptions such as: changing authorities protected by law or a former decision of the general meeting.
• The secretary committee is allowed to assemble a general meeting at any time, and should do this according to a demand of no less than 10% of all the kibbutz members. It ought to be done within 30 days from the day of request in order to discuss the requested matter.
• The secretary committee should give publicity to the issues which will be discussed at the general meeting. This shall be done at the announcement board in a public place within the kibbutz, in no less than 24 hours before the general meeting. Specifications of the announcement: exact time and place of the meeting, issues at order.
• The secretary committee decides on every matter according to majority of votes. Every member is allowed to express his opinion, and has only one vote.
• A protocol shall be written during the meeting of the secretary committee, signed by the general secretary.
• The rights “of signature in name of the kibbutz,” which obligate the kibbutz in every matter, are as decided on at the general meeting.
• It is up to the general secretary to direct the kibbutz towards it’s goals and purposes, see that all decisions made by the general meeting or by any other committee which are authorized by the general meeting, are performed. The general secretary may use his authority towards the kibbutz, except for when decisions are made by the entire kibbutz.