Team EMS (2023)- Israel Chapter 1

Where Chutzpah meets Dreaming Big, and Failing Fast is just another step towards success.

A view from the Peres Center of Peace and Innovation

Post 1: Kibbutz (the roots)

Team EMS (Misal Choudhary, Eric Tsai, Soham Banerjee) is currently exploring the startup environment in Israel and recently had an opportunity to visit a Kibbutz. To understand what makes Israel a start-up hub, we thought of diving deep into the roots of Israeli culture. The startup scene in Israel is dynamic and vibrant, and surprisingly, its roots are intertwined with an interesting concept known as the Kibbutz.

A Kibbutz is a unique Israeli invention, a form of communal living that has its roots in the early 20th century. The members of a Kibbutz live together, sharing resources and responsibilities, from childcare and cooking to farming and maintenance. This way of life emphasizes cooperation, mutual aid, and a strong sense of community. It is a lifestyle choice that highlights equality, collective effort, and shared ownership. Moreover, the Kibbutz culture has always been forward-thinking and progressive, embracing change and innovation. Many Kibbutzim, including Ein Gedi, have evolved over the years, shifting from traditional agriculture to more diversified economies, incorporating industries such as high-tech, tourism, and manufacturing. This inclination towards adaptation and innovation, a defining feature of Kibbutz culture, is mirrored in Israel’s startups. They aren’t just about keeping up with the times, but also about setting the pace, pushing boundaries, and challenging the status quo.

Drawn by this intriguing lifestyle, we ventured to Kibbutz Ein Gedi nestled in the heart of Israel’s desert. This flourishing community stands as a shining testament to the power of the Kibbutzim – the people living in a Kibbutz. Ein Gedi was once a barren desert, yet through hard work and collective effort, it was transformed into a thriving oasis boasting over 1,000 species of trees and plants.

Our guide, Daniela, welcomed us with open arms, exemplifying the Kibbutz spirit of community and camaraderie. She graciously offered us sweet dates, grown in the very soil of Ein Gedi, a heartwarming example of the fruits of their communal labor.

Intriguingly, the Kibbutz culture doesn’t just nurture a sense of community; it also fosters talent and innovation. Dr. Kobi Richter, a renowned businessman and serial entrepreneur, is a case in point. He has brought pride to the Kibbutz and the nation with his achievements.

Moreover, the principles of the Kibbutz – cooperation, sharing, and collaboration – have had a profound influence on Israel’s thriving startup culture. The mutual support and exchange of ideas that the Kibbutz encourages have helped foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurial success.

As we bid goodbye to Kibbutz Ein Gedi, we admired the transformative power of unity and collective effort. The Kibbutz’s journey from a barren desert to a thriving oasis is a reminder of what can be achieved when people unite with a shared vision.