As agricultural crime intensifies with the approach of spring, a nationwide volunteer effort is being mobilized to support Israel’s farmers. With growing concerns over livestock theft, property damage, and agricultural crime, this initiative aims to provide critical support to farmers facing these increasing threats.
On Rifman, Deputy CEO and Founder of HaShomer HaChadash, warns that livestock thefts are expected to rise this season. “The increasing prices of cattle and sheep ahead of the spring holidays fuel black-market sales of stolen livestock,” he explains. “This illegal trade leads to unregulated meat consumption, which poses a serious public health risk due to the lack of oversight from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health.”
In recent weeks, HaShomer HaChadash has responded to multiple livestock theft incidents, as well as cases where criminals caused significant property damage during failed theft attempts. The severity of these crimes highlights the urgent need for action to protect farmers' livelihoods.
Aviv Moran, a cattle rancher from Kibbutz Ein HaShofet, who faces agricultural crime on a daily basis—including livestock theft, trespassing on grazing lands, arson, and property damage—adds: “This ongoing wave of crime threatens the future of agriculture in the north. If it continues, farmers will be left with no choice but to abandon their lands, allowing hostile elements to take over. The state must make tackling these criminals a top priority and put an end to the lawlessness in our region. We also expect the government, which has not done enough to address this crisis, to compensate farmers for their losses—so we can continue to cultivate the land and safeguard the open spaces under our care.”
While the Israel Police and Border Police work tirelessly to combat agricultural crime, they are also joined by HaShomer HaChadash in the effort to safeguard farms. Law enforcement agencies and the prosecution are collaborating to advance stricter legislation against criminals targeting farmers and the agricultural sector.
To supplement these efforts, HaShomer HaChadash is ramping up its volunteer recruitment. “Every night, members of HaShomer HaChadash and our many volunteers set out to safeguard farms and agricultural lands, protecting farmers from livestock theft, the stealing of agricultural equipment and vehicles, and acts of property damage,” says Yoel Zilberman, CEO and Founder of HaShomer HaChadash. “However, based on past experience, we know that as spring approaches, there is a noticeable rise in livestock theft and a surge in agricultural crime. In response, we have launched a large-scale volunteer recruitment effort—because protecting our farmers is a national mission.”
On Rifman also emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “Farmers across Israel face daily threats to their livelihoods, and we cannot allow this situation to persist unchecked,” he says. “We are calling on the public to stand with us—join our volunteer network and be part of a community dedicated to protecting those who feed the nation. Together, we can put an end to these criminal attacks.”
HaShomer HaChadash continues to expand its volunteer network, providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds to take an active role in safeguarding Israel’s agricultural sector.
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