While it took time for the economy to accommo- date so many skilled individuals , the net result has been a tremendous economic boom. With Israeli incomes rising and Palestinians increasingly prevented from entering Israel to work, Israel has begun importing tens of thousands of workers from Asia and Eastern Europe to work the menial jobs Israelis no longer want. Israel's newfound prosperity and the current focus of the US government on domestic issues have led many to predict that the large American foreign aid traditionally received will be reduced in coming years. KIBBUTZIM AND M0SHAV1M_ Two percent of the Israeli population lives on about 270 kibbutzim , somewhat socialist rural societies where production is controlled by members. The kibbutzim of today hardly resemble the fiercely ideological pio- neer agricultural settlements that began 80 years ago, which were based on strong egalitarian and communal values. These days, most kibbutzim rely more on industry than on agriculture. In addition, the passion for austerity is subsid- ing; kibbutzniks now demand the same luxuries enjoyed by other Israelis . Most kibbutz chil- dren now live with their parents in nuclear family homes, whereas just a decade or two ago nearly all lived in separate dormitories and saw their parents only at designated times. KIBBUTZ! If the idea of kibbutz life gives you the warm fuzzies, be aware that the application process is long, rigorous, and highly selective. As one kibbutznik explains, "We're one big family, and you don't want just anyone in your family." Appli- cants first go through a series of interviews and background checks to assess the con- tribution they would make, both professionally and socially. Hermits need not apply. They then have a two-year trial period, after which they must be accepted by a 2/3 majority vote of all members. Legacies don't guarantee anything either: even kids who grew up on a kibbutz and spouses of members must go through the same process. Get cracking on those applications-most kibbutzim don't accept anyone over 45. Today's kibbutzim face mounting problems. Labor shortages are becoming com- mon as two-thirds of younger members leave the settlements to test their skills elsewhere. More non-member paid workers are being brought into the kibbutz to fill in labor shortages. At the same time, increasing numbers of kibbutz members are finding outside employment and giving their salaries to the kibbutz, a practice which, though financially beneficial to the kibbutz, detracts from the communal feel. In addition, billions of dollars in kibbutz debt is a daunting threat. Approximately 3.2% of the Israeli population live on 450 moshavim, another type of rural settlement, which provide roughly 40% of Israel's food. Moshavniks typically harvest their own piece of land, though marketing is often done collectively; some have a crop that all members help cultivate.