ICSA Statement regarding the violence in Israel and Gaza
As a scholarly society devoted to the study of intentional communities, the International Communal Studies Association and its board are deeply saddened and outraged by the terrorist attacks perpetrated against kibbutz communities in Israel on October 7. Kibbutz members were among the founders of our organization and continue to provide vital support, so we share a special grief for the suffering of those affected by these attacks, especially the family of the hundreds of kibbutz residents who were killed or abducted. We mourn for all of the innocent Palestinians and Israelis who are suffering in the ongoing war, and for victims of violence everywhere. Intentional communities can help end violence by modeling cooperation and building bridges across ethnic and religious divides. As we grieve with and for our communitarian friends, we pledge to use our scholarly endeavors to build enduring peace.
ICSA Webinar Series
ICSA has embarked on a series of webinars to take place before the next face-to-face Conference in the summer of 2026.
The first three webinars took place in September, 2024, February and May, 2025. The next Webinars are scheduled for July 1st and July 3rd, 2025, and will be dedicated to celebrating 40 years since the founding of ICSA.
We’re especially excited to invite you to these two special webinars free of charge. We will be honoring the incredible journey of the International Communal Studies Association. On Monday, 1st July and Wednesday, 3rd July, we’ll come together to reflect on ICSA’s roots and look ahead to its future. These sessions, led by a wonderful team – Michal Palgi, Pearl Bartelt, Deborah Altus, and Jan Martin Bang – will bring together founders, long-time members, and new voices. As Pearl beautifully put it, “Everyone is a part of the story” – not just the organisation’s history, but the personal stories and shared values that have shaped ICSA over four decades. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate, connect, and contribute to the next chapter!
Subsequent webinars are planned for the fall, 2025.
The International Communal Studies Association (ICSA) is currently hard at work planning our next in-person conference due to take place in Lebensgarten, Germany from the 9th-11th July, 2026
The CALL FOR PAPERS is now live. Please keep checking back for REGISTRATION
More about last year’s in-person ICSA Conference that took place in Denmark, July 14-16.
A conference for the community curious and committed scholar alike.
Our Mission
ICSA’s mission is to support the scholarly exchange of information regarding communal life — communes, intentional communities, kibbutzim and other collective communities throughout the world.
Kibbutz Research Institutes
ICSA is grateful for the financial support of the following Kibbutz Institutes:
