OUR MISSION
YATAR's mission is to protect Israel and its citizens from terrorist attacks by deploying highly-trained volunteer units to work alongside the IDF and Israel's Border Police, in the borders of Judea and Samaria, Gaza, Egypt and Jordan.
Judea and Samaria
Violence from Judea and Samaria has escalated in 2022, not only at the low-grade mass protest-riot level, but also using deadly weapons. Those deadly weapons led to the deaths of 31 Israelis, a majority of them civilians
Gaza Border
In recent years, Gaza has been a constant source of security concerns for Israel, with terrorists attempting to infiltrate into Israel, smuggling weapons and explosives, and building terror infrastructure in the region. Despite the efforts to curb these activities, they continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of Israeli citizens.
Egypt and Jordan Borders
The border between Israel and Egypt as well as the border with Jordan is a major point of entry for weapons, explosives, and other contraband used by terrorist groups.
Since the beginning of the year, YATAR has been working tirelessly to fulfill its mission of combating terrorist threats. Through our highly trained and experienced officers, we have been able to make significant achievements in keeping Israel safe.
YATAR's Activities
weapons seized
smugglers caught
arrested for crossing a fence
drug smuggling attempts thwarted
criminal offenses thwarted
ammunition seized
tresspassing attempts thwarted
smuggling infrastructures seized
OPERATIONS IN ONE MONTH!
From Tragedy to Triumph
YATAR was founded in 2016 in the wake of the brutal murders of Dafna Meir and Esther Horgen
Esther Horgen
Born in Paris, France in May 1968, Esther made the bold decision to forge her life in Israel. Making aliyah solo in 1986, she pursued studies in the arts at Emunah College in Jerusalem. In the summer of 1990, Esther married Benjamin, and together they would raise a family of six children.
The couple embarked on a journey across Israel, from Tel Aviv to Haifa, then to Galilee before settling in Tal Menashe in 2001. Esther’s professional journey began as a graphic artist before she delved into Jewish Psychology, becoming a therapist and contributing to several French publications.
Esther was passionate about nature, sports, traveling, and adored her grandchildren. A typical day often found her enjoying a walk in the adjacent Shaked Forest, now affectionately known as Esther Forest.
Tragedy struck on a sunny winter day at around 2:00 PM when Esther went for her routine stroll. Benjamin returned home from work around 6:00 PM to find her missing. A massive search effort ensued, involving the IDF, police, search and rescue units, and volunteers. Tragically, Esther’s body was discovered at around 1:00 AM, showing signs of a violent struggle.
Swift action led to the identification and arrest of the terrorist just four days later. Esther’s passing left a profound void in the lives of her parents, three sisters, husband, six children aged 29 to 13, and two grandchildren aged 5 and 1.
Dafna Meir
Born in Israel in November 1977, Dafna was the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Growing up, she attended various boarding schools across Israel, from Bnei Barak to Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi and Ein Hanatziv. At the age of 18, she enlisted in the IDF and served as an intelligence observer, stationed primarily in a small outpost in southern Lebanon. It was there that she met her husband Natan, with whom she later married and raised a family of four biological children and two foster children.
In 1999, Dafna embarked on her journey to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Ben Gurion University. She began her nursing career at the mental health institute in Be’er Sheva, eventually specializing as a fertility nurse. Combining her nursing expertise with her deep understanding of Jewish religious practices, Dafna provided invaluable guidance and support to numerous women struggling with fertility issues. She facilitated support groups, authored weekly articles on the topic, and eventually realized her lifelong dream of opening her own fertility clinic in Jerusalem.
On an ordinary day in January, while painting her front door at home, Dafna was tragically attacked and fatally stabbed by a 16-year-old terrorist in front of her children. Despite her valiant struggle, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind her husband and six children.
Two days later, the terrorist responsible for Dafna’s senseless murder was apprehended by Israel’s special forces. Dafna’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and resilience lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime.
