After the counting of most of the votes, it appears that Lior Simcha beat Hadas Danieli Yelin and won the elections for the leadership of the kibbutz movement that took place yesterday (Tuesday).
Simcha will replace Nir Meir, who has held the position since 2015. For the first time, voting was made possible by digital means – a mobile device or a computer.
The elections were held in the shadow of the ‘Iron Swords’ war, during the most painful period in the history of the kibbutz movement. In the events of October 7, 252 members and residents of kibbutzim in the Gaza Envelope were murdered, and more than 140 members and residents were kidnapped to Gaza. Added to this is the ongoing threat to dozens of kibbutzim on the conflict line in the north.
In addition, 56 kibbutzim from the Western Negev and the northern border have been evacuated since October 7. The number of those murdered and killed in the terrorist attack and the war that followed it stands at 322 members of kibbutzim and residents.
About 64,500 members from 259 kibbutzim throughout the country were eligible to participate in the elections. The total population in the kibbutzim is currently more than 190 thousand people, and includes children, teenagers and soldiers, residents and new recruits.
The next secretary of the movement will be required to strengthen the relevance of the kibbutzim and the kibbutz movement in Israeli society, and the kibbutzim themselves and the solidarity between them; to deal with regulatory and economic challenges, and with the future of industry and agriculture in the kibbutzim; handle the land and construction issues; as well as social challenges that concern the nature of the kibbutz community, and the image of sharing, solidarity and mutual guarantee.
The events of the last few months have brought to public awareness the relevance of solidarity and collective commitment within each kibbutz, between the kibbutzim, and between them and Israeli society.
Simcha Menzer Sarni defeated Danieli-Yelin Migur
Lior Simcha, member of Kibbutz Netzer Sarni, 46 years old, married to Carmel and father of four. Simcha holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management and a master’s degree in business administration from the Hebrew University. Previous managerial positions: CEO of the Israel Milk Producers’ Association; Secretary of Kibbutz Netzer Sarni; Senior at the “Adler Chomsky and Rashevsky” group – one of the largest media groups in Israel.
The candidate who lost, Hadas Danieli-Yelin, is a member of Kibbutz Yagor, 50 years old, married to Haran and a mother of three. Served as Deputy Secretary General of the Kibbutz Movement in the years 2017-2022 under Nir Meir, as CEO of the Kibbutz Movement, as CEO of the Women’s Lobby in Israel and in other positions.
