David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of the State of Israel, was himself a kibbutznik . He returned to his kibbutz in the Negev after retiring from public life in 1963. In addition to contributing to the defense of their country, kibbutzim have helped immigration. All responsibilities in kibbutz life are shared equally between men and women who hold jobs on a rotating basis, including supervisory positions. The kibbutz owns all the land, all the equipment, all the homes.
Food also is produced on the kibbutz .
Crops vary but include oranges, lemons, artichokes, bananas, dates, olives, apples, cotton, tomatoes, peanuts, and walnuts. Kibbutzniks also raise livestock, such as cows, chickens, turkey, and even fish. Today many kibbutzim sustain a variety of manufacturing facilities in light industry. Meals are prepared by kibbutz members, most of whom dine in the community dining room. In the early years, children were reared in community nurseries, visiting their parents only once a week.