The Hashomer Hachadash organization is marking today’s historic date—November 29, a date that in recent years is no longer officially celebrated in Israeli society—in a unique and values-driven way: a conference bringing together hundreds of teens from across the country and across Israeli society for a focused day in which they presented their initiatives and ideas for changing reality and improving Israeli society and the state. From all the initiatives presented, the leading ones will be selected and implemented.
The conference opened, in the spirit of Hashomer Hachadash tradition, “with action and learning”—with concentrated volunteer work by participants and counselors at an agricultural farm in the Southern Sharon region.
During the volunteer activity, the teens planted trees, built garden beds, and paved paths—contributing to the development of the farm, which is being prepared for broad community use by local residents, surrounding communities, and treatment groups working with individuals coping with post-trauma. This activity reflects the commitment of Hashomer Hachadash youth to practical action, strengthening the local community, and deepening their connection to the land.
Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of Hashomer Hachadash, said, “The Nov. 29 Conference of Hashomer Youth is a moment in which we allow the youth of Hashomer—our boys and girls—to determine for themselves the missions they want to engage in over the coming year. The conference began with a volunteer activity at an agricultural farm prepared for the benefit of the community and for PTSD therapy groups.
"Our wonderful youth can be found in every national task—we rebuilt Kiryat Shmona together, we rehabilitated dozens of agricultural sites and farms damaged in the war, we stood alongside various populations in need of help during Operation ‘Am Kalavi,’ and we cleaned municipal shelters together. We decided to give our youth the reins in leading these important missions, and we will join them in every task.”
Written in collaboration with Hashomer HaChadash