Living Routes Green Kibbutzim Semester

  Israel

Kibbutz Lotan

Term: Fall 
Dates: September 1 - December 9

Description: Explore the connections between new forms of ecological identity and stewardship, social justice and community in Israel. Work alongside Palestinian-Arab, Bedouin and Jewish Israelis who are striving for a just and lasting peace. Gain hands-on experience in ecological design, green building and sustainable agriculture and put permaculture into action in a Bedouin Village in the Negev Desert.

Learn from experts about cutting-edge ecological building techniques such as adobe, straw bale, and geodesic domes, as well as permaculture design. Engage in peace dialogues with marginalized groups around their experience and ideas for creating peace and justice in the region. This program emphasizes critical thinking, open-mindedness, consensus decision-making, community living and non-violent communication in order to explore sensitive international, community and personal dynamics.

Highlights: Kibbutz Lotan is located in Israel's southern Arava valley, an extremely arid environment with an average of 30mm rainfall a year. The community is based on Reform Zionist Jewish values and is committed to renewing Judaism, equality, economic cooperation, ecology and community. Most of the Living Routes classes will take place within the environmental education park and eco-neighborhood/campus.

* Gain hands-on experience with organic gardening, adobe brick and straw bale construction, building with recycled materials and more at the Center for Creative Ecology at Kibbutz Lotan.

* Experience environmental justice issues
first-hand in the Negev Desert with Bustan L'Shalom, a local environmental justice organization.

* Visit old and new Jerusalem, tour the separation barrier, and float in the Dead Sea.

* Put permaculture into action working on a community project in a Bedouin village in the Negev Desert.

* Experience the School for Peace's unique approach to dialogue between groups in conflict at Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam.

Cost in US$: 14,200

Experience Required: no

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application