A new report by global consulting firm KPMG has found that communities where HaShomer HaChadash operates report a significantly stronger sense of personal security and community resilience than comparable communities without the organization's presence.
The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, examined the organization's impact in rural communities and open spaces across Israel.
According to the findings, residents in communities where HaShomer HaChadash is active reported lower levels of concern about theft and violence, greater willingness to leave their homes during the evening, higher satisfaction with overall community security, and a stronger sense of safety when walking through their communities after dark.
Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of HaShomer HaChadash, said the findings highlight the contribution of the organization's volunteers. “The KPMG report is a powerful testament to the tremendous impact created by our volunteers—people from across Israel who dedicate their nights, in rain and heat alike, to protecting Israel’s open spaces and strengthening security in remote communities. In places where a lack of presence and weak governance can create fear and invite criminal activity, our volunteers help restore confidence and resilience.
"Together with the dedicated teams of HaShomer HaChadash’s Community Security Division and in close partnership with the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, led by Minister Orit Strock, Director General Avi Meir and the ministry’s professional staff, we have built a model that is making a real difference. We now look ahead to expanding this work to additional communities and regional councils, with the shared goal of strengthening governance, public security, and community resilience alongside the Israel Police and Border Police.”
Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock said the report supports the ministry's approach to strengthening security through investment in local communities. “The findings of this report reinforce the policy we have championed: where there is settlement, there is security. This is precisely why we invested in this initiative. We will continue to build a protective shield of resilient communities across Israel and invest in strengthening community resilience for the safety and security of Israel’s citizens.”
According to HaShomer HaChadash, the findings reflect its ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, which includes initiatives aimed at strengthening personal security, governance, and community resilience in rural and peripheral communities across Israel.
Written in collaboration with Hashomer Hachadash