His accomplishments include the establishment of Bar Giora in 1907. Bar Giora, which later became Hashomer (the watchman) promoted the Shochat's basic idea that Jews should defend Jewish settlements, which were until then defended by non-Jews. Despite the skepticism of the settlement leaders, Hashomer soon earned the respect of both Jews and Arabs . The shomrim, who could speak and dress like arabs, soon took over the defense of almost all the early settlements. When Hashomer was taken over by the Haganah, Shochat decided to study law. He then went on to become a staunch defender of Haganah prisoners during the British mandate era.