Often times, grown children return to the places and cities where they grew up. Sheri and other members of Kibbutz Kalya, however, did the exact opposite: they moved countries and created a new community in the middle of the desert. From Chicago, Sheri moved to Tel Aviv, and then became a founding member of the kibbutz during her time serving in the IDF.
Sheri has been with the kibbutz since the beginning and has helped it change and grow over time. At first, the kibbutz was 100% socialist. Now, members receive a salary and pay dues to the kibbutz. However, one thing that has not changed at all during the kibbutz’s lifetime is the emphasis on democracy. The kibbutz values each member’s voice and as such has created a democratic system where the kibbutz members are the ones with the power to make decisions.
Sheri is very proud of how far the kibbutz has come and feels such a strong connection to the kibbutz and the surrounding land that she has been living here for around 50 years and has no intentions of leaving anytime soon.