Page 86 - Kol Bogrei Habonim - Autumn 21
P. 86
I accumulated 6 years of experience working In hindsight, with the passing of the years, it
in “falcha” (that is the field- crop branch of is now difficult to distinguish between the
the kibbutz), growing wheat, barley, sorghum veteran members of the kibbutz and those of
and humus, on 6,000 dunam of land. After the Garin Hey origin.
manager of the branch was transferred to Members of the garin became well-absorbed
another task, it was clear to me that I would in the social, economic and cultural fabric of
replace him, as I had the most experience in the kibbutz. Central managerial positions,
the field. As a result, I was most surprised both social and economic, also became
when informed that I could not take over this occupied by former garin members. They
managerial position “as I am not a veteran also became adopted as active members of
founder member”. One such member, who committees and chaired them, not to mention
had no experience in the field, was brought in the many that became Jewish Agency and
to replace Eddie, the branch manager. After movement shlichim abroad.
a short time, he gave up and withdrew from
the position, and only then was I given the In historical perspective, the ten tough years
task of managing the field-crop branch – of Kfar Hanassi’s existence prior to the
falcha. arrival of Garin Hey, had brought the kibbutz
to a critical juncture, which was characterised
by many members leaving the fold. This
affected its social and economic structure and
put in doubt its future. The addition of more
working-hands from the garin, who added
new blood, not only produced fresh
ideological thinking of a pragmatic nature,
but also brought about change in the social
hegemony of the kibbutz. This in turn made
Kfar Hanassi a more attractive and easier
1962 – Purim – Garin Hey Singing Waiters
place in which young people could live.
Back row: left to right: Aryeh Wolfin, Max Mader,
Paul Bilgory, Johnny Frank
Front row: left to right: Shulamit Frank, Chana
Kipnis (Lilien), Tamar Wolfin
I would like to take this opportunity to show
my deep appreciation to a founding member,
Shosh Epstein, who invited us young
bachelors to “Five-o’clock tea”, and her
many attempts to find us a shidduch. I should
add that most of us eventually made our own
arrangements. 2007 – 50 years reunion Garin Hey
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