“The Middle East is at a crucial turning point today,” says Yoel Zilberman, CEO and co-founder of Hashomer Hachadash, “not only in terms of security, but also perhaps more importantly, in the fundamental areas of survival – water, food, and critical infrastructure.”
Zilberman, who will speak at the upcoming Jerusalem Post Washington Summit on December 9-10, says that one of Israel’s most significant needs is food security. “Israel is currently dependent on other countries for much of its food, and one of the clearest lessons from the war is that Israel must develop as much food self-reliance as possible. We understand that this must not come from a place of surviving but from a place of thriving. It could give Israel true food independence and reduce our reliance on Turkey and Jordan, which today supply close to 50% of our fruits and vegetables. Second, it would have a direct and immediate impact on national security. Because when you help Israeli farmers, you are solidifying the country’s borders. Strengthening Israeli agriculture strengthens the entire community ecosystem, creates resilience, and reinforces life and vitality in these areas.
“This initiative opens the door to a major national mission,” he adds. “It can become both Israel’s new national story and the country’s greatest post-war strategic undertaking: building its national infrastructure, while also developing the capabilities to become a regional influencer in this field.
“We believe that the Jerusalem Post Washington Conference can bring together partners from Israel and around the world—to understand that now is the time to invest here – to invest in Israel’s agricultural land. It’s a sound investment.”
Beyond the impact on Israel itself, creating food security for Israel, Zilberman says, will enable Israel to provide water and food solutions for neighboring countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
This policy could also be of great strategic value to the United States, he notes. “Strengthening Israel’s borders would increase Israel’s capability to serve as a land bridge between India and the West, and vice versa,” says Zilberman. “This would greatly increase the foothold of the US in the region and enable it to become a strategic partner in various investment initiatives that would ultimately give it more influence throughout Israel and the region.”
Hashomer Hachadash has more than 120,000 volunteers working on its behalf, and Zilberman says that the State of Israel has a vast base of young people who risked their lives during the Swords of Iron War who are eager to lead meaningful lives by contributing to the country’s future. “We bring a message of optimism. There is an incredible young generation here, willing and capable of undertaking enormous national missions.”
In the wake of the tragic events of October 7, Hashomer Hachadash volunteers maintained and saved hundreds of farms when farmers were called to reserve duty. “We saved a great number of agricultural facilities,” says Zilberman. “We know with certainty of farmers whose businesses would have collapsed without our help.”
Hashomer Hachadash has established three new agricultural schools – in Sde Nitzan in the Negev, in Nitzana, and in Iron, near the Lebanese border. In addition, it is beginning development of three additional ones – in Kibbutz Matzuva in the north, in Kibbutz Maoz Haim in the Bet She’an valley, and in Be’er Tuvia in the south. In addition, it has more than 3,000 volunteers who guard farms and agricultural facilities in the evenings to prevent theft and vandalism. “We are in a state of major growth and development,” he concludes.
Zilberman notes that the organization is also active in creating and developing agricultural R&D hubs, having built four across the country. “We provide advanced training for farmers, using the most cutting-edge technologies in agriculture. We want to channel the capabilities of the best hi-tech minds in the world toward food production.”
The Jerusalem Post Washington Conference will focus on the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel and explore the challenges and opportunities for both nations in security, technology, and the economy, showcasing how Washington and Jerusalem can work together to build a safer, more connected future.
Written in collaboration with Hashomer Hachadash