The Week Unwrapped: Kibbutzniks, quitters and patriotism

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.

In this week’s episode, we discuss:

Kibbutzim vs. the people

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In northern Israel, a long-running argument between people who live in the town of Beit Shean and residents of the neighbouring Nir David kibbutz is revealing some of the tensions within Israeli society. A group of townspeople, supported by right-wing politicians, are campaigning for public access to the idyllic stream that runs through the kibbutz, and the gardens alongside its banks. At its simplest it’s a familiar neighbourhood dispute - but it inverts many preconceptions about Israeli politics.

Mass resignations

A record number of Americans quit their jobs last month and about 30% of British workers say they are thinking about resigning from theirs this year. In part, this seems to be down to a post-pandemic reassessment of priorities, but it also may reflect a strengthening labour market - and confidence among workers that if they don’t like what’s on offer at one workplace they’ll find a better offer elsewhere.

One nation?

Social media erupted in derision and alarm this week when a group called One Britain One Nation encourage school children to sing a song celebrating British identity. Intended to unite British citizens from all backgrounds and cultures, the campaign was described variously as populist, totalitarian, divisive and crap. Why do we find it so hard to define Britishness in a way we can all agree on?

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