kibbutz

Not Quite Jerusalem

Not Quite Jerusalem (aka Not Quite Paradise) is the Movie that brought hundreds, perhaps thousands of Volunteers to Israel - including myself! I first saw the Movie in 1986 - I knew almost immediately that I had to experience life on a Kibbutz. I really enjoyed myself and I know that if you are thinking of Volunteering it can be very daunting. I say "just do it" - you'll look back and wonder why you never did it otherwise!

Six volunteers arrive at the kibbutz to exchange their labour for a chance to experience a different way of life in a land where the sun always shines. Gila, a pretty young Israeli, organises their work and accommodation.

Mike [ Sam Robards ] is a good look U.S. medical student. He is to help Gila [ Joanna Pacula ] look after the cows and share a house with Scots ex-soldier Angus [ Ewan Stewart ], and eccentric, chain smoking recluse. Carrie [ Selina Cadell ], from Birmingham, is neurotic, claims to ahve a fiance and thinks she can paint. Rothwell [ Todd Graff ], an American Jewish boy, falls in love with a Japanese girl. Cockney East Ender, Pete [ Kevin McNally ], and Yorkshireman Dave [ Bernard Strother ] share the same interest (girls!) but usually end up finding consolation in booze and bravado!

The group's experiences on the kibbutz - both comic and tragic - will leave each of their lives completely changed.

If you can find the Video (it's rare but can be found on eBay sometimes) I recommend you watch it. It's not a great movie, but it will make you want to experience more of what life has to offer! I recommend it!

I've put together as many links about Israel and Kibbutzim as I could find. I hope that you find the site useful :)