Reservists Battle to Rebuild Businesses Devastated by Military Service
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Thousands of Israeli reservists are struggling to rebuild their businesses after extensive military service following October 7th, facing lost clients and halted growth. A survey indicates a significant decline in business activity among the self-employed, with rising business closures nationwide. Organizations like 'Gav La'Lohem' are providing crucial support, offering professional guidance and mentorship to help reservists regain financial stability and operational momentum. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to build businesses resilient enough to withstand future reserve duty requirements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Thousands of Israeli reservists are fighting to save their businesses after extensive military service since October 7th.
- A May 2026 survey found 64% of self-employed Israelis reported decreased business activity compared to pre-war levels.
- Business closures in Israel increased in 2025 to 61,000, with small and medium-sized businesses particularly affected.
- The non-profit 'Gav La'Lohem' provides professional guidance and mentorship to help reservists restart and sustain their businesses.
- Self-employed reservists Yoni Halimi, Eyal Shilo, and Oleg Sevzhentsev shared their struggles and the support they received.
- The organization claims a 95% success rate in helping over 100 businesses recover.
Thousands of Israeli reservists, three years after October 7, continue to fight a second battle on the home front: saving their businesses. For self-employed individuals, extended periods of reserve duty mean more than just lost workdays; they risk losing business relationships, growth plans, and the mental fortitude to restart operations that have been repeatedly halted. The impact on self-employed individuals is significant, with a May 2026 survey by the Israel Democracy Institute showing 64% reported a decrease in business activity compared to pre-war levels, an increase from January 2026 when 49% reported a decline. Business closures in Israel also rose in 2025 to approximately 61,000, up from 59,000 in 2024, according to Coface BDi, with a particular weakening observed in small and medium-sized businesses.
The article highlights the experiences of Yoni Halimi, Eyal Shilo, and Oleg Sevzhentsev, all self-employed reservists who have served hundreds of days. Halimi, an IT systems specialist with international clients, has accumulated over 400 days of reserve duty, facing challenges with clients abandoning his company due to political sentiment against Israel. Shilo, a building engineer who recently started a business in advanced steel construction, has served around 350 days in Gaza and found his momentum halted, with potential deals lost. Sevzhentsev, who manages a system for educational institutions, has served over 450 days and saw major expansion projects planned for October 8, 2023, abruptly stopped, leading to a halt in payments and sales.
These reservists are finding support through 'Gav La'Lohem' (Back to the Warrior), a non-profit organization founded by reserve Major Uria Izak. The organization aims to help discharged soldiers and reservists transition to civilian life and restore self-employed individuals to full business activity. 'Gav La'Lohem' provides professional guidance in areas like AI, finance, entrepreneurship, and career development, connecting individuals with job opportunities and professional courses. Izak states that the program has successfully supported over 100 businesses, with a 95% success rate, by offering personalized support, financial and marketing guidance, and mentorship.
Halimi describes the mutual support within the group, where reservists share challenges and solutions, boosting morale and providing strategic advice. Shilo found the program's focus on his specific needs, particularly financial and marketing guidance, helped stabilize his business and provided motivation. Sevzhentsev was drawn to the organization because its founder was a fellow officer and found the personalized approach and professional development invaluable for his business strategy, financial management, and collaborations. Despite ongoing reserve duty, these individuals are learning to manage their businesses more effectively, aiming to build resilience for future service calls.
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