Bar-Giora (organization)


Bar-Giora was a Jewish self-defense organization of the Second Aliyah, the precursor of Hashomer.

History

On September 28, 1907, the group was founded by Poalei Zion members. It was headed by Israel Shochat, Alexander Zeid, Yechezkel Henkin, the members gathered at Yitzhak Ben-Zvi's unfurnished apartment in Jaffa and formed Bar-Giora, a Jewish self-defense organization named for Simon Bar Giora, one of the leaders of the Jewish Revolt against the Romans. The founding members were Israel Shochat, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Mendel Portugali, Israel Giladi, Alexander Zaid, Yehezkel Hankin, Yehezkel Nissanov and Moshe Givoni.
The goal of the organization was to settle the land and guarding it against Arab attackers. Previously, Arab guards had been hired for protection. Many Jews refused to employ members of Bar-Giora fearing it would cause more friction with the local Arabs.
As a motto, Bar-Giora chose a line from Yaakov Cohen's poem, Habiryonim: "In fire and blood did Judea fall; in blood and fire Judea shall rise." This was one of the mottos of the Jewish defenders during the pogroms in the Russian Empire. Members swore an oath of secrecy, discipline, selfless service, devotion to the cause, and loyalty. All decisions had to be ratified by a unanimous vote. All members were required to have at least a year's experience in farming. Guarding was put off until the members of the organization had gained enough experience and knowledge of the land.
When Hashomer was formed on April 12, 1909, Bar-Giora was absorbed into it.