In the wake of escalating tensions and direct missile attacks from Iran, HaShomer HaChadash, the largest volunteer organization for agriculture in Israel, dedicated to strengthening Zionist values, protecting farmland and supporting community resilience, has mobilized volunteers across multiple fronts to meet critical national needs. The organization’s efforts include emergency assistance, agricultural support and community protection, highlighting the crucial role civilian volunteers play in times of crisis.
Within hours of the missile strikes, volunteers were deployed to affected communities.
In Bnei Brak, where residential buildings sustained damage, HaShomer HaChadash worked alongside the humanitarian organization Lev Echad to help families evacuate personal belongings and stabilize damaged homes. These efforts were carried out in full cooperation with local emergency services and municipal authorities.
Security concerns grew in areas like Bat Yam, where residents evacuated damaged homes and businesses. To prevent looting, HaShomer HaChadash organized patrols focused on protecting properties still containing residents’ personal items and business equipment.
Beyond immediate relief, the organization quickly identified threats to Israel’s agricultural sector. With many farmers called up for reserve duty and others barred from their fields due to security risks, there was a real danger of losing vital harvests. In response, 50 participants from HaShomer HaChadash’s premilitary leadership program returned to farms across the north to help maintain operations.
These young volunteers, just months from Israel Defense Forces enlistment, are managing vineyards at Kibbutz Gal’ed, supporting livestock and orchards at Kibbutz Lavi, and harvesting crops in the Golan Heights. Other teams assist agricultural research centers to keep production steady despite the war.
All activities are coordinated closely with the Home Front Command and local security officials. Enhanced safety protocols ensure volunteers’ well-being under current threat conditions.
HaShomer HaChadash plans to expand its operations as the situation evolves.
The organization calls on more volunteers to join its missions and stands ready to deploy wherever civilian support can strengthen national resilience.
Yoel Zilberman, CEO and founder of HaShomer HaChadash, said: “Our organization was built on the belief that true national strength comes from the bond between the people and the land. In these difficult times, our volunteers are living that commitment—protecting homes, supporting farmers and standing firm in the face of adversity. Now more than ever, we must come together with responsibility and dedication. We’re proud to lead a generation that knows serving the land means securing Israel’s future.”