History
We at Shomera proudly trace our beginnings to a watershed event which paved the way for new approaches to environmental activity that affected the urban community of Jerusalem and served to inspire nationwide.

In 1996, Tamar Gindis, a resident of Har Nof, learned of two large scale proposals that posed serious environmental threats to the Jerusalem Forest bordering her neighborhood: a large scale development project, and the construction of a highway.  To save the forest – a 1,200 dunam green lung - Tamar rallied the support of the area's residents. Under her leadership the group’s grassroots efforts were singularly successful.

However, Tamar quickly realized that to ensure permanent preservation of the forest and open spaces in the capital, Jerusalem residents needed to be educated about the resources at their doorstep, and about sustainable urban living.  With that aim, she founded the Committee for the Quality of Life – Har Nof in 1997 and spearheaded the formation of a coalition of organizations committed to preserving the Jerusalem Forest.

Two years later, the committee established an educational center at the "Shomera" site in the Jerusalem Forest, on 20 dunam given to it by KKL.  The site is blessed with archeological elements including  a "Shomera" - an ancient watchtower, used for guarding agricultural land. The organization began to be associated with the site as a result of the popular activities that it ran there, and as a result changed its name from "The Committee for Quality of Life", Har Nof to "Shomera for a Better Environment".

 A trailblazer in its field, the "Shomera" was the first ecological site in Israel to teach permaculture and organic gardening to the general public. Throughout the years, Shomera's educational programs have been conducted through experiential, hands-on activities. To serve populations who could not visit the center, Shomera offered educational programming  at schools and community centers, including programs for youth at-risk, blind youth, and individuals with special needs.

Shomera leadership has continually adjusted its approach to promoting sustainable urban environments, allowing us to stay current and effective.  Today, with efforts to conserve natural resources and promote greenbuilding, we stand at the forefront of initiatives which are entrepreneurial in spirit -- having both national and international influence.

Early Achievements:
Saving the Jerusalem Forest
Pioneering environmental education and the Shomera Educational Center *
Linking Jewish life with the environment
Organizing Israel’s first permaculture and public organic gardening center *
Award-winning work in horticulture therapy

* no longer operative