How an Emergency Loan Helped one Family Weather War’s Worst

For Erez, a farmer and business owner in Israel’s Golan Heights, his life has always been deeply rooted in the land. Raised in Ma’ale Gamla, Erez grew up helping his parents cultivate the soil. Now, alongside his wife Yael and their five children, Erez operates a thriving farm, butcher shop, and restaurant. But the attacks of October 7th, 2023 threw their world - and businesses - into chaos.

The morning war broke out, Erez was called to his IDF reserve unit. He quickly put on his uniform and was on his way to the command center by 7:15 a.m. Over the ensuing months, his brigade, one of the IDF’s most experienced, was involved in intense operations across Gaza.

Erez’s absence left Yael alone to manage both their family and their businesses under immense pressure, with revenues dropping by over 50 percent due to the war’s impact. On top of this, half of their employees were called to army service, and foreign workers returned home for safety concerns. While Yael worked tirelessly to keep their businesses afloat, it was an enormous financial and emotional burden.

In the midst of this crisis, the family turned to Jewish Federations of North America’s Emergency Loan Fund for support. The loan was a lifeline, enabling them to pay their employees, support local suppliers, maintain their farm’s operations, and keep their businesses open. 

"The loan enabled us to keep the business going,” Yael said.  “I don't know what we would have done without it."

As the war continues to impact Israeli businesses, Erez and Yael remain hopeful for their country, their family, and their businesses. Despite the hardships, Erez finds strength in his community and the land he cultivates. The sight of three generations working together on the farm fills him with pride. Knowing that the global Jewish community stands with them, Erez and Yael face the future with renewed purpose and determination.