Agricultural Spotlight: Hashomer HaChadash

By Na’ama Abramsky

Q. Can you briefly share the story of how your work / organization began?

A: The story of Hashomer HaChadash began about 18 years ago with Yoel Zilberman, who went out to protect his family’s land in Tzipori after years of harassment. He later joined forces with a partner who was leading a similar effort in the Negev, and together they built a movement dedicated to supporting and strengthening Israeli farmers.

Today, our organization works to provide volunteer-based support to farmers in several ways: assisting with field protection, helping with agricultural work, and when needed, mobilizing public support through fundraising. In addition, we engage volunteers in national missions beyond agriculture, especially in times of crisis - stepping in where there is often a gap and immediate response is needed.

Q. What inspired you personally to step forward and get involved in

Hashomer HaChadash ?

A: When the October 7th war broke out, Israeli agriculture was hit almost immediately. A large part of the workforce (Thai and Palestinian workers) was no longer available, leaving many farmers in urgent need of help.

At the same time, there was a powerful wave of solidarity - so many people wanted to contribute in a meaningful way.

I’m a social worker, and had just returned from a year journey through India when the war began. The shift into that reality was overwhelming, and I felt a strong need to help connect people to purposeful action.

Hashomer HaChadash was looking to link volunteers with farmers quickly and personally, with minimal bureaucracy. I joined to help pilot a community-based model - creating a simple, direct way for people to show up and support farmers who needed it.

Q. How have volunteers and supporters played a role in your work so far?

A: Volunteers are the heart of everything we do!!! We built WhatsApp-based communities as a simple and accessible way to connect people to real-time needs in the field. Through these communities, thousands of volunteers have reached farms all across the country - from the Gaza border region to northern frontline communities.

People of all ages and backgrounds take part, and some have even become like family to the farmers they support. There are volunteers who have “adopted” specific farms, helping manage their own WhatsApp groups and recruiting others to join.

One of the most moving aspects is the strong presence of older volunteers - people aged 65 to even 90 - who show up, work hard, break stereotypes, and find renewed purpose and meaning. Personally, I feel a deep connection to this group. They are incredibly dedicated and truly understand the importance of independent agriculture.

Q. What has been particularly challenging in your work and has there been anything that has come more easily than you expected?

A: One of the main challenges has been helping farmers adapt to new ways of communication - especially using WhatsApp and learning to ask for help. Many of them are used to being self-reliant, and some have also been personally affected by the war in addition to the impact on their farms.

At the same time, what came more naturally than expected was the human connection. Once the bridge was created, something beautiful happened - farmers and volunteers formed genuine relationships. Some even organize social gatherings beyond the work itself.

Being in the field, I understand why people keep coming back. Volunteering creates a kind of “pause” in life - it’s very grounding, so meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. Sometimes I even feel conflicted seeing how much people give, but they constantly share how much they receive in return. It’s truly a win-win!

Q. Looking ahead, what impact do you hope your organization will continue to make?

A: Our goal is to continue expanding this circle of giving - to reach more farmers who are still struggling and in need of support, and to bring more people into this meaningful experience.

Through this community, we are able to show the human faces behind Israeli agriculture, to create personal connections, and to build a strong, supportive network.

There is a place for everyone. This work is a huge gift - waking up every morning to connect good people with meaningful action. I hope many more people will have the opportunity to both give and receive through this experience, while we continue strengthening the farmers who are still facing significant challenges.