The paper was established as Mishmar on 30 July 1943 as the journal of Hashomer Hatzair. At the top of the first page of every issue was the banner "For Zionism, Socialism and Brotherhood amongst Nations". Its readership was mainly based on subscriptions from Kibbutz Artzi, Hashomer Hatzair and Mapam members. The name "Al HaMishmar" first appeared on the edition of 25 January 1948.