About Kibbutz Maagan Michael
Maagan Michael was founded in 1949 by a mixed group of young Israelis and new immigrants. The kibbutz is located on the Mediterranean shore 65km. North of Tel Aviv, 35km. South of Haifa. Maagan Michael is one of the largest kibbutzim in Israel with a population of close to 2,500 people. The kibbutz leads a rich and diverse community life
The Ulpan - Hebrew Language Center - was established in the early years of the kibbutz back in 1958 as the members opened the kibbutz doors and their hearts to new immigrants. Today students from all over the world, tourists and new immigrants, come to take part in the program. Every year the Ulpan accommodates nearly 200 students. For many of them the Maagan Michael Ulpan is their first home in Israel.
The kibbutz makes a living from a combination of industries - Plasson and Suron, agriculture and livestock. The aquaculture is the largest farming activity and the fishponds make up a major part of the scenery. The fishponds create wonderful conditions for the vast number of migrating birds that cross Israel on their way to and from Africa. For this reason, the fishponds have been declared a national nature reserve. One can see here Pelicans, Cormorants, Flamingoes and many other species when strolling around the fish farm ponds.
The social life of the kibbutz is diverse and rich. The Jewish and national holidays are celebrated as large communal events. Many community members take part in preparing each event. The kibbutz also has many ongoing sport activities and organizes many events. Apart from the wonderful beach the kibbutz has a beautiful swimming pool. Many members are involved in volunteering in neighboring communities. Most of the culture events are arranged by the younger people. One of the main meeting points in Maagan Michael is the dining hall, with its outstanding view towards the beach and the sea. Meals are served three times a day, seven days every week.
While attending the Ulpan in Maagan Michael the Ulpan students are encouraged to participate in all local activities and become part of the community's rich cultural life. The students develop nice and warm relations with the locals. They enjoy sharing the kibbutz's facilities and many times participate in the making of these events.
Facts and figures:
- The Ulpan was founded in 1958.
- More than 10,000 students have graduated.
- Every year about 200 students study in the Ulpan.
- Every Ulpan runs for 5 months twice a year.
- The Ulpan has 4 Hebrew levels.
- More than 50% of the students are new immigrants
- 10% of Maagan Michael's members are Ulpan graduates.