The New Guardian

 

                        “The Guardian of Yisrael shall never slumber nor sleep” – Psalms 121:3

“HaShomer HaChadash” (The New Guardian) is a Zionist social and educational organization. Under the initiative of Yoel Zilberman and On Rifman, it was established in 2007 with the support of a group of volunteers and lovers of the Eretz Yisrael. Its objective is to guard and protect the State’s lands while empowering and supporting farmers and the law enforcement establishment alongside with connecting young Yisraelis to the Land, the love of our Homeland and Zionist identity.

The project modelled after the original “The Guardian” (Ha’Shomer) movement, which was established in 1909, in the Galilean town of Kfar Tavor. The organization was founded with the goal of defending Jewish property and Jewish lives considering the gloomy state of the Jewish settlements and its inhabitants at the end of the first wave of immigration to Eretz Yisrael. These were under the status of “a protectorate” of foreign diplomats and were vulnerable and open to attacks by local hostile forces.

The need for such a modern-day initiative arose because of a very sad reality that has, unfortunately, afflicted the state of Yisrael, especially during the last decade. I am referring to the spread of “Agricultural Crime,” which the Yisraeli Supreme Court defined as “a plague.”

This form of “Agricultural Crime” manifests itself in various ways. It ranges from theft of produce, supplies, animals, and agricultural equipment used by farmers for work and their sustenance.  According to a report presented by “The New Guardian,” the direct damage caused by agricultural crimes in 2020 was estimated at about NIS1.1 billion. Data also show that there is an increase of 46.6% in the number of yearly incidents.

The “New Guardian” draws volunteers from all over the State of Yisrael and from all segments of society, twenty-one years and older. They all must undergo training which includes meeting the farmers, familiarizing themselves with the challenges of the area and its terrain. The constitutive principle underlying their voluntary activity is comprised of educational values where labour, mutual guarantee, courage, and love of the land are of prime importance.

The volunteers’ units have improved over the years. Nowadays, they include Jeep, motorcycle, and bike units which patron the area. This creates presence on the ground, helps prevent theft, setting fires, damaging agricultural equipment and serves as a deterrent factor thus allowing the hardworking farmers to get some rest at night.

On Wednesday, January 26^th, almost two weeks ago, I joined Dr. Mordechai Kedar and Eli Greenbaum, two active members of this group, on one of their eight hour long nightly shifts.

“Wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes,” Kedar advised me, “it is going to be a cold night.”

Wrapped in five layers of clothing, warm gloves, a couple of scarves and a bag full of snacks, we headed north to fulfill what I regard as one of the most important duties required of us, Yisraelis, to ensure that the land, its people, farmers and livestock are under no threat. Our destination, this time, was Yechiam Altschuler’s farm, near Binyamina.   

Let me start by saying that it must have been the coldest night I have ever experienced in Yisrael. Despite the pouring rain, which occasionally turned into hail, the strong winds that nearly blew me 5’2” petite size, which all joined hands to make it one demanding experience, it turned out to be one very rewarding adventure.

Needless to add, that the company was great. Dr. Kedar, whom many consider the foremost expert on the Arab and Islamic world, delivered a fascinating lecture to an audience via zoom, enriching all listeners with information and a better understanding of some sections of the Koran and the Hadiths. 

Twice during the shift and guided by the light of a lonely flashlight, we went on  patrols around the farm. Our feet were sinking in mud and the icy fingers of the rain were stinging our faces.

The small outdoor fireplace, situated in the corner of the makeshift canvas shed, to which all three of us were drawn like a moth to a light, did help to warm us up a bit.

However, the greatest flame was in our hearts. The flame that has kept our People alive for a few millennia refused to subside, let alone extinguish. The mere thought that we are here, back Home, the only Home we have ever had was the elixir to our souls and the music to our dancing Jewish Zionist heart.

What an experience!

If you wish to join the organization and be part of the "HaShomer HaChadash," please visit the following:

https://www.hashomer.org.il/%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%A7%D7%A9%D7%A8/