Shomer Israel (HaShomer)

Shomer Israel (HaShomer) was a historic Jewish defense organization founded in 1909 in the Yishuv (pre-state Jewish community in Palestine). Its primary goal was to protect Jewish settlements and settlers from Arab attacks, ensuring safety and security through armed patrols and community defense. The organization played a key role in developing Jewish self-defense capabilities and contributed to the formation of later military institutions, ultimately helping to establish the groundwork for Israel's national security. HaShomer was known for its discipline, organization, and commitment to safeguarding Jewish people and their property in the early 20th century.