Jerusalem, November 2, 2025 — In the presence of hundreds of Jewish community leaders, The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Class Action Foundation launched a new grant program to support businesses owned by the spouses of Israel Defense Forces reservists.

The launch of the program was led by Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency; Mark Wilf, Chairman of The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors; Yehuda Setton, CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency; and representatives of the Class Action Foundation, chaired by Judge (ret.) Yaakov Shineman.

The Jewish Agency launched the new grant fund—totaling 60 million shekels (more than $18 million)—at the organization’s Board of Governors meeting, which was attended by hundreds of Jewish community leaders from around the world, including representatives of the World Zionist Organization, Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod.

Spouses of IDF reservists who own businesses that suffered significant economic harm during the war will be eligible for one-time grants ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 shekels (about $1,500 to $6,000), based on business size and eligibility criteria. Recipients will also receive a package of business and consumer assistance, including mentoring, guidance on exercising rights, and professional workshops.

This fund is being launched with the support of world Jewry as a powerful expression of Jewish unity. Its purpose is to demonstrate global solidarity with Israel’s reservists and their families, and to express appreciation for their tremendous contributions to Israel’s security during the Swords of Iron War.

Since the October 7 terrorist attacks, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have left behind their families and jobs to serve extended reserve duty to defend the country. During this time, their spouses have borne the double burden of managing home and family life while struggling to keep their small businesses afloat amid severe economic uncertainty.

Businesses owned by spouses of reservists in Israel must meet the following two main criteria to receive assistance: The reservist has served at least 200 days in reserve duty since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023; and the business has experienced a decrease of at least 30% in revenue compared to a corresponding pre-war period (for example, January-June of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023).

The application process opens online on November 2, and the deadline for submissions is November 12. Requests for grants can be submitted at: https://marom.jewishagency.org/asakim-bamiluim.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog: “Since the horrific Simchat Torah attacks on October 7, we have seen the heroism of the reserve soldiers, men and women who left everything to defend the country out of unconditional love. Left behind were the partners who bore the burden of the family, the financial burden, and the immense emotional load. Reservist families are the backbone of our national resilience. This fund is an expression of mutual responsibility and deep gratitude from the entire Jewish people, in Israel and around the world, with a clear message: You are not alone. This is an expression of our connection – one heart, one people, and one commitment – which leaves no one behind.”

Mark Wilf, Chairman of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors, said: “Our new grant program reflects the deep, enduring bond between the Jewish people and the men and women who defend the State of Israel. Jewish communities worldwide are in solidarity with Israel’s reservists and their families—recognizing their sacrifice and ensuring that they have the support they need to recover and rebuild. This initiative is a tangible expression of our collective gratitude and unity as one Jewish family.”

Yehuda Setton, CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency, said: “The men and women of the IDF reserves, who left behind family and livelihood to defend us all, embody more than anyone the values of mutual responsibility and shared destiny. This fund is not merely financial assistance for their families—it is a bridge of hope and resilience that connects the families of reservists with the entire Jewish people, as one family. This is how we at The Jewish Agency, together with our partners, continue to build hope as the foundation for renewal.”

Judge (ret.) Yaakov Shineman, Chairman of the Class Action Foundation: “The Class Action Fund continues its efforts to assist those affected by the war, in accordance with the goals set by the courts in class action proceedings. The fund seeks to support the spouses of reservists so that they can sustain their small businesses for the benefit of consumers—thereby strengthening Israel’s society and economy. This is another initiative in the fund’s ongoing work to promote the physical well-being and resilience of those harmed by the war, and to stand by their side.”

For applications and more information about the grant program, visit: https://marom.jewishagency.org/asakim-bamiluim

Media Contact:
Jake Sharfman, JCubed Communications
Jake@jcubedpr.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. Today, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide—by advancing Aliyah as a core value, deepening connections between our global Jewish family, supporting the resilience and security of global Jewish communities, and encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel. The Jewish Agency also continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges and respond to emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.