Full Breakdown
Emergency Fundraising for Agricultural Bomb Shelters in Israel
3/10/2026, 7:19:02 AM
Urgent Initiative by Hashomer Hachadash
Hashomer Hachadash, an Israeli volunteer organization dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities, has initiated an emergency fundraising campaign to acquire and deploy at least 100 bomb shelters in agricultural areas lacking protection. This initiative arises amid ongoing conflict with Iran, which has heightened threats to farmers working in open fields, exposing them to risks from rocket fire, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and anti-tank missiles. Founded in 2007, Hashomer Hachadash, meaning “The New Guardian,” aims to strengthen the connection between Israeli society and agriculture through volunteering, education, and fieldwork.
Context of the Campaign
The organization has gained prominence for mobilizing volunteers to assist farms facing labor shortages and security challenges during wartime. Recent reports indicate that the lack of bomb shelters has severely impacted farmers, particularly those in remote areas far from urban centers, where public shelters are unavailable. As a result, many farmers are compelled to work in exposed conditions, risking their safety during alerts.
Impact on Agricultural Operations
The absence of bomb shelters not only jeopardizes the safety of farmers but also disrupts agricultural operations. Volunteers are often unable to access fields, and essential maintenance crews cannot perform necessary repairs, leading to significant interruptions in agricultural activity during a crucial season for food production in Israel. Hashomer Hachadash emphasizes that this situation threatens both the national food supply and the livelihoods of farmers who have invested considerable effort throughout the year.
Goals of the Fundraising Campaign
The primary objective of the fundraising campaign is twofold: to safeguard lives and to ensure the continuity of agricultural work. By deploying bomb shelters, Hashomer Hachadash aims to facilitate the safe return of volunteers and participants in its pre-military programs to the fields. Onn Rifman, co-founder and deputy CEO of education at Hashomer Hachadash, stated, “Without proper protection, both the national food supply and the livelihoods of farmers who have worked all year for this season are at risk.” The organization frames the campaign as essential not only for safety but also for maintaining food security during wartime.
Broader Implications
This initiative reflects a growing trend of civilian and volunteer organizations stepping into frontline support roles amid wartime pressures. The ongoing conflict has underscored the vulnerabilities of agricultural communities, particularly in Israel's periphery, where limited infrastructure exacerbates exposure to threats. Hashomer Hachadash's efforts highlight the critical intersection of safety and food security in the context of ongoing military tensions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Without proper protection, both the national food supply and the livelihoods of farmers who have worked all year for this season are at risk,” — Onn Rifman, Co-founder and Deputy CEO of Education, Hashomer Hachadash.
