HaShomer HaChadash is crafting a new reality on the ground in the Negev and the Galilee. It is creating a deeper level of commitment among students and young people that revolves around renewed Jewish-Israeli identity, connection to the land and civic responsibility and action.
At the beginning of 2011, after three years of activity, there were 11 HaShomer HaChadash observation posts: seven in the Galilee and four in the Negev. Today, there are 23 observation posts: 12 in the Galilee and 11 in the Negev, safeguarding tens of thousands of acres of land.
Over 1000 young guardsmen give 6-20 days a year to volunteer with HaShomer HaChadash. Thousands of young people, from high schools, youth movements, army units, pre-army preparatory programs and Israel experience programs do volunteer agricultural work with HaShomer HaChadash.
Farmers and ranchers have reported a marked decrease in theft, arson, property and herd damage and physical threats after the establishment of observation posts and the activities of the volunteer guardsmen. Every week HaShomer HaChadash receives pleas from ranchers and farmers to establish additional observation posts.
The Young Leadership program is flourishing. Now in its third year, this 14-month pre-army work-study program attracts people from all over Israel. In the morning they help farmers and agriculturalists. In the afternoon they are immersed in studies, from Judaism to history to the Arabic language to Zionism. In the evenings they mann the observation posts.
Looking toward the future, HaShomer HaChadash aims to:
- Establish 20 young leadership groups (10 Negev, 10 Galilee)
- Offer the Young Leadership Program to young Jews from around the world
- Increase the volunteer corps to 6,000
- Add an additional 20 observation posts to bring the total to 38 and expand to Israeli cities
- Increase the patrols and strengthen response time and efficiency
- Lobby for effective legislation to bring long-term change.
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