The International Federation of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) has partnered with Hashomer HaChadash to launch a $2 million food security initiative aimed at addressing the challenges facing farmers across Israel. The collaboration comes in response to the massive impact of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas on the agricultural sector, with many farms suffering from labor shortages and damage from rocket attacks.
Since October 7, 89 percent of farms across Israel have reported being adversely affected by the war through labor problems and damage to fields and agricultural facilities. As a result, 19 percent of farms have been forced to cease operations entirely. The crisis threatens the country’s food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on agricultural income.
To alleviate these challenges, Hashomer Hachadash has launched an emergency campaign to support more than 900 farms through the efforts of more than 260,000 volunteers working in the hardest-hit areas. Recognizing the scope of the problem, IFCJ has committed $2 million to the Food Security Emergency Fund managed by Hashomer Hachadash. The funds will be allocated to manage volunteer infrastructure, with a focus on hard-hit areas along the northern and southern borders.
Cherry tomatoes growing in a hydroponic farm (Courtesy of ARIEL GLOBAL LINX)
Additionally, the funds will help purchase farm machinery, provide transportation for agricultural volunteers across the country, and support the Volunteer Command Center, which coordinates and dispatches thousands of volunteers every week.
“Worth the effort”
IFCJ President Yael Eckstein emphasized the importance of food security, saying, “Food security is a part of our daily lives and something some may take for granted, but it is crucial to protecting our national security. This war has reminded us how dependent we are on natural products and how threatened they are when they are compromised.”
“We believe in the value of hard work, as the proverb states: ‘He who tills his land will have plenty of food.’ We see this partnership with Hashomer HaHadash as an essential part of our national defense and morale, ensuring that our food supply remains healthy and strong while protecting the dignity and hopes of Israel’s farmers.”
Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of Hashomer HaChadash, echoed Eckstein’s sentiments, emphasizing the important role agriculture plays in Israel’s economic stability and food self-sufficiency: “Hashomer HaChadash’s partnership with the International Federation of Christians and Jews will enable Israel’s largest volunteer movement to continue strengthening social resilience and food security.”
“Since the war began, Hashomer Hachadash has been reaching out with hundreds of thousands of volunteers to protect agriculture and support the people who work the land. We see agriculture as a vital economic pillar necessary for food self-sufficiency, and we are thrilled that IFCJ has joined us in this important effort, bringing its experience and resources to help us prosper.”
“Our organizations are a natural fit, and together we will continue to support business owners who offer high-quality Israeli-made products. I am proud to work with IFCJ and grateful for their support. This is how we build our future and protect our borders.”
