Hareidi men
Hareidi menIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Youth from the religious-Zionist Kibbutz (cooperative community) movement will spend the Sabbath at the hareidi-religious kibbutz Or Ganuz, in an attempt to bridge gaps and learn about the hareidi way of life.

There are deep ideological differences between the two communities, said Nechemiya Rafell, head of the Religious Kibbutz movement.

However, he said, those differences still allow for dialogue. Discussions and mutual learning will benefit both sides, he said, and increase cooperation among agricultural settlements.

“We are sure that we will not manage to convince one another, but the meeting itself helps,” he said.

Or Ganuz was established more than 20 years ago. It is based on the principle of “love your fellow man as yourself.” Its residents engage in Torah study and make a living through various projects, including tours of northern Israel.