In the wake of a major act of vandalism in northern Israel, the nonprofit security and agricultural support organization Hashomer HaChadash has mobilized to help the Megiddo Regional Council and local farmers repair extensive damage to grazing-land fences and increase security patrols in the area.
Over the weekend, more than 30 kilometers of perimeter fencing around the kibbutzim Ein HaShofet and Gal’ed were cut, causing significant financial damage and leaving pastures exposed. The Israel Police and Border Police are investigating the incident, which the Megiddo Regional Council is coordinating on the ground.
Teams from Hashomer HaChadash have been working alongside farmers, council staff, police, and Border Police since the weekend. The organization has also reinforced its presence in the region with its national service volunteers based near Mitzpe Gal’ed, an outpost originally established by the group in response to a similar nationalist incident years ago.
Hashomer HaChadash has begun recruiting additional volunteers to assist in repairing the damaged fences and infrastructure.
Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of Hashomer HaChadash, said:
“Hashomer HaChadash stands with farmers year-round and we are by their side during this difficult time as well. Our teams were called to the scene immediately and have not left since the incident was reported. The images from the field show the scale and severity of the damage. We have increased our presence and will do everything possible to restore the personal security of farmers and residents in the area. Nationalist terror is a scourge, and all authorities must act as one to confront this phenomenon and bring offenders to justice.”
The Israel Police, Border Police, Megiddo Regional Council, kibbutzim, and Hashomer HaChadash are working in full cooperation to restore security to the area. The organization is also calling on the media to give serious attention to the incident and the broader issue of nationalist and agricultural terrorism.