In the aftermath of October 7 and throughout the war, businesses in communities devastated by the attacks, located near the conflict zones, or owned by Israel Defense Forces reservists all experienced major economic hardships. To assist business owners, several Jewish Agency programs, facilitated with support from our partners, provided grants, loans, mentorship and resources to help businesses survive.

In November 2025, The Jewish Agency announced the launch of a new grant program in collaboration with Class Action Foundation to support businesses owned by the spouses of IDF reservists. The Fund, totaling 60 million shekels (over $18 million), will offer spouses of IDF reservists who own businesses that suffered significant economic harm during the war one-time grants ranging from 5,000-20,000 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.

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.”