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HaShomer HaChadash recently established a dedicated hotline, WhatsApp groups and organized transportation to three farms in northern Israel.
By Amelie Botbol, JNS
Dozens of volunteers are heading north, following the implementation of Israel’s ceasefire with Iranian proxy Hezbollah that ended 14 months of war, to assist local farmers in their recovery efforts.
“We are currently developing a plan with the aim of bringing at least 100,000 volunteers in the coming months to support farmers in the north,” said Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of the HaShomer HaChadash (“The New Watchman”) agricultural volunteer organization, who is leading the effort.
“During the war, we mobilized over 300,000 volunteers to assist farmers. Initially, our focus was, of course, on the south. Later, we shifted our efforts to the northern region,” he added.
HaShomer HaChadash recently established a dedicated hotline, WhatsApp groups and organized transportation to three farms in northern Israel.
“Approximately 2,000 dunams [200 hectares, or 500 acres] of orchards have been damaged, based on assessments conducted in the northern region. The appraiser who evaluated the damages reported that the average cost per damaged dunam is about 20,000 shekels [$5,600], which means many farmers have lost and will lose millions of shekels,” Zilberman continued.
“Most of these farmers have not received any compensation from the government for their losses,” he added.
Adi Lempel helped with the olive harvest at Moshe Lev’s orchard. Credit: Hashomer HaChadash.
Last week, the first group of volunteers headed north.
“I did a year of national service with HaShomer and feel deeply connected to the organization’s work,” said volunteer Adi Lempel, helped out at Moshe Lev’s orchard. “As soon as the ceasefire began, I saw the details about volunteering in the north shared in our alumni WhatsApp group. I didn’t hesitate to join.”
This week, dozens more are expected to arrive in the region.
Moshe Weinstein, an apple farmer from Kibbutz Dafna whose son Omer was killed by shrapnel from a rocket launched from Lebanon while working in the family orchard in Metula on Oct. 31, welcomed the volunteers. They helped pick apples and bring life back to his orchard.
“The past 14 months of drone strikes and constant alarms were unbearable—it was inhumane. Few people came during this time, and every visit was deeply appreciated. Last week, volunteers came to our apple orchard, and we welcomed them warmly,” Weinstein said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to HaShomer and every volunteer. I salute each and every one of you for coming to the orchard during these challenging times; it strengthens me deeply,” he continued.
“Words cannot fully express my admiration for these incredible individuals. We’re about two weeks away from finishing the harvest, and I warmly invite all Israelis to come and pick some fruit,” Weinstein said.
Omer Weinstein, a father of four, was deeply committed to agriculture and had been recognized for his contributions to the field.
“We left the Tel Aviv area at 5:20 a.m., and when we arrived, Moshe greeted us warmly and shared the deeply moving story of his son, who was tragically killed in the orchard a month ago,” said Liron Shmuel, who volunteered in the orchard.
“Hearing his story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Moshe gave us a brief explanation of how to pick apples, and his family, who also work in the orchard, guided us throughout the process,” Shmuel continued.
“From the start of the conflict, I began volunteering in agriculture wherever help was needed—it gives me a sense of purpose, and I understand how vital it is,” he added.
Zilberman noted the fear some have to visit the north, and the fact that not all farmers have returned home.
“We understand there is a need to secure millions of shekels to help farmers make the decision to replant their orchards as soon as possible,” Zilberman said.
“Orchards typically take four years to begin producing fruits and six to eight years to recover the initial investment. Every year of delay represents another year without farmers actively working in this region,” he said.
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