Israelis Raise $30 Million for War Victims Via Crowdfunding
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israeli crowdfunding platforms raised approximately $30 million for war-related causes since the October 7th attacks, supporting victims, soldiers, and memorial projects. Over 605,000 donors contributed to 1,232 campaigns, with an average donation of 193 shekels. October 2023 was the peak fundraising month. The funds reflect strong social solidarity and support for various needs arising from the conflict.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli crowdfunding platforms raised $30 million for war-related causes since October 7th.
- Over 605,000 donors contributed to 1,232 campaigns supporting victims, soldiers, and memorial projects.
- October 2023 saw the highest fundraising month with $5 million collected after the attacks.
- The top campaign, "We Are All Together," raised $2.7 million for southern residents and security forces.
- Campaigns also supported freed hostages, with one raising $1.6 million for Rom Barslavsky's rehabilitation.
- A campaign for a book criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu raised $560,000.
Since the October 7th Hamas attacks and the subsequent "Swords of Iron" war, Israeli crowdfunding platforms have raised approximately 117 million shekels (about $30 million) through 1,232 campaigns. These initiatives supported a wide range of causes, including aid for soldiers and evacuees, rehabilitation of affected communities, efforts to free hostages, support for freed captives, and memorial projects for the fallen. Over 605,000 donors contributed to these campaigns, with an average donation of 193 shekels. Sixteen campaigns each surpassed the 1 million shekel threshold.
The funds were channeled through Headstart, Giveback, and Beactive, reflecting a strong sense of mutual aid and social solidarity. The total amount raised across all initiatives on these platforms in the three years since October 7th reached 355 million shekels from 17,700 projects, a 112% increase compared to the preceding three years. War-related campaigns averaged 95,000 shekels, nearly five times the average for all projects.
October 2023 saw the highest monthly fundraising, with 19 million shekels collected in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, amid public frustration with the government's civilian response. The top-grossing campaign, "We Are All Together," raised 10.5 million shekels for southern residents and security forces.
Assaf Grinberg, CEO and co-founder of Headstart, noted the public's immediate need to support victims, with early campaigns focusing on urgent aid. As the war progressed, initiatives shifted to rebuilding Gaza border communities, advocating for hostages, and supporting freed captives. More recently, campaigns have focused on remembrance, national memorial ceremonies, and documenting the trauma, with 207 memorial campaigns raising about 17 million shekels.
Direct support for freed hostages also saw significant contributions, with 13 campaigns raising approximately 18 million shekels from 111,000 donors. The largest individual campaign for a freed captive raised 6.3 million shekels for the rehabilitation of Rom Barslavsky. Other major campaigns included support for Ariel Koniyo and Arbel Yehud, and funding for national memorial ceremonies. Notably, a campaign to fund the book "Benjamin Netanyahu - Master of Abandonment," aimed at criticizing the Prime Minister's handling of the hostage crisis, raised 2.2 million shekels.
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