Israel Shochat arrives in Palestine in 1904 from Eastern Europe.
He is shocked to learn the Jews depend on others for their defense and resolves to do something about it. He first founds Bar Giora, a secret underground group in 1907.
When the security situation worsens following the revolution of the Young Turks, he realizes a larger organization is needed and founds Hashomer (“The Watchman”).
It will grow rapidly in the following years and change the status of Jews in the country.
Photo credit: Yad Yitzhak Ben-Zvi Institute
