Although membership of Israel's kibbutzim has risen over the past few years, the movement no longer represents a central plank of Israeli national identity. However, following the Hamas attacks of 7 October, the kibbutzim have once again become a unifying symbol for Israelis. Now everyone across the country – and the world – knows the names of Be’eri, Kfar Aza and Nir Oz. Join us as we explore the place of kibbutzim in Israel past and present, as well as the impact of 7 October on these close-knit communities. Guest speakers feature:

• David Leach, author of Chasing Utopia: The Future of the Kibbutz in Divided Israel;

• Sofie Berzon MacKie, curator, visual artist and director of Be’eri Gallery for Contemporary Art;

• Ranen Omer-Sherman, chair of Judaic Studies at the University of Louisville and author of Imagining Kibbutz: Visions of Utopia in Literature and Film;

• Julia Chatain, social psychologist, peacemaker and resident of kibbutz Urim.

This event will be held with our partners at Jewish Renaissance, and you can book your ticket here.