Arab-Muslim becomes kibbutz member

On the eve of Shavuot, Amal Carmiya, an Arab Muslim from Qalansawe, along with four additional families, was accepted as members of Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu. This is the first time ever that the Kibbutz Movement has accepted an Arab Muslim as a member.

The ties between Carmiya and the Sharon-region kibbutz started 18 years ago when she sent her two children Aya and Adam to the kibbutz kindergarten, just like some other families from nearby Arab communities do. Eventually, when the kibbutz looked for a hired nurse, Carmiya was chosen for the position. In 1997 Carmiya temporarily moved to the kibbutz and a few years later, turned into a resident.

“After years of acquaintanceship we are very satisfied with her and love her. We do not believe that she represents something, she is simply an exceptional person who adapted wonderfully to kibbutz life; she is a part of us and so are her two children. Aya and Adam are in the youth class. Adam, who is a sought after soccer player, is loved and accepted.”

 

According to Be’eri, the fact that Carmiya was chosen has no connection to her background. “The kibbutz members voted for Amal the person, not Amal the Arab.”

 

Carmiya herself feels entirely like a member of the kibbutz. “With the complicated situation in Israel, I feel that this is the place, these are the people and this is the way that fits me best,” she said. According to Carmiya, her family has mixed feelings regarding her way of life.