Why should a young Diaspora Jew leave a life of luxury for a life in Israel?

Clearly the (3?) Habonim Dror UK members remaining on this glorified commune in the North feel great about themselves, their aliya, and their alleged superior contribution to Israeli society. Good for them, they've achieved some groundbreaking steps, to be sure. But such a smug piece hardly does anything to suggest where else one might wish to devote one's energies to improving Israeli society outside of their little bubble. There's really no need for Anton to be so very harsh about the "regular" aspirations of "average" Olim to integrate into Israeli society, learn the language, and function as a citizen. These are not easy feats for many Olim, and Anton of all people should know that it takes several years for each new Israeli to find their pace and place. His scorn of those unlike him is almost astounding, although perhaps it comes down to the unfortunate truth that members of communities such as his are constantly on the defensive due to the fact that many consider them outdated and ineffectual on a macro level in terms of their influence and relevance vis a vis Israeli society as a whole. The fact remains that there are plenty of "worthy" reasons to move to Israel and countless other niches of social action to be filled beyond the few outlined in this piece: Anyone interested in doing so should not be discouraged, rather engage in serious research before they get on the plane as to what Israeli society has to offer and what they can offer in return... and the childish snobbery of this article should be left at the gate of Kibbutz Mishol.

Making Alyah is a spiritual endeavor, not just moving from one place to another. Most kibbutsim have now either disappeared or became companies quoted on the NASDAQ. The article is evidence to teh fact that Alyah to a kibbuts usually translates in a yerida.

Anton refers to a "mission to renew Israeli Society as an egalitarian, Zionist and democratic society." Inasmuch as Zionism is a nationalistic ideology focused on the supposed interests of one particular ethnic/religious group Egalitarian Zionism is an impossibility.

I take my hat off to Anton and the members of Kibbutz Mishol for providing such a constructive solution to the social problems of Israel. In todays world it is rare to find young adults who are willing to dedicate their lives towards a greater mission - Good luck to you!

The world is sick and tired of missionaries. If you want to be a "light unto the nations," do so by example. Live a healthy, productive fulfilling life in an open and welcoming way. Those who to notice and want to will emulate those parts of your society they like.

If most Jews had agreed with the author, Israel would have never been built. The social orientation of the Jews has always been diverse, and each aspect has its positive values. I think the author is very close minded, and I greatly admire anybody who makes Aliyah independently to their political values. The country only gains from Jews making Aliyah.

So according to this writer, anyone who moves to any "settlement" is committing an immoral act. If you move to the French Hill, which of course everyone realizes will stay in Israeli hands during a final peace deal? Immoral. If you move to Modi'in, you are OK. But if you move to Modi'in Illit, a few kilometers a way? Immoral! This is a great system of morality (basing everything on a totally arbitrary line, even though the Palestinians have made it clear that they view all of Israel as a settlement). Hey, whatever helps you keep up your credentials as a left-winger...

Sounds like one hell of a Shabbat dinner, I think Marks has it right, Israel is far away from its zionist roots i think him and his friends are trying to bring back some legitimacy of what it means be a zionist today. I applaud him and all those who choose to undergo a real aliyah!

For Muslims: why are you wishing to destroy the country you live (in a degree of comfort which your grandparents did not enjoy) while not even making journey back to "old country"? For Sikhs (specifically those in Canada): why are you, who live in luxury, asking for a separate nation (into which you don't even want to move) which your people have already indicated they really don't want (specific article http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100421/wl_canada_afp/canadaindiareligionimmigration_20100421221209)?

Well, I want to say kol hakavod to this oleh and these new kibbutzniks, who are not just critisizing in articles or on talkbacks but who are actually doing something to change the reality for all of us in Israel. Behatzlacha

I salute your kibbutz, I really do. But denigrating other olim is nopt hepful, and even a little cruel. Each one of us has a story, each one of us who has made aliyah from a western country has had to undergo some uprooting and pay a price. Do you know all that that young man had experienced before making a decision that no matter what will take him far from his birthplace and first home? In my experience a welcome hand is a far greater inducement to aliyah, and to taking on the challenges of working with Israeli society, than self-righteous harangues.

mistaken ridiculous notion that all Jews outside Israel live a life of luxury. Far from it. Also some seek idealism or a sense of belonging that sometimes eludes them elsewhere.I find this article shallow and primitive, sorry

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