Reservist Couple Faces Over $80,000 Debt After Business Struggles During Military Service
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Reservists Yahav and Rotem Ohana from Gan Yavne are facing over 300,000 shekels in debt after Yahav's new plumbing business struggled during his military service. A crowdfunding campaign has raised over 318,000 shekels towards a 500,000 shekel goal. The couple, who welcomed their first child during Yahav's service, are seeking public assistance to overcome their financial challenges and build a future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Reservists Yahav and Rotem Ohana face over 300,000 shekels in debt due to business struggles during military service.
- A crowdfunding campaign for the couple has raised 318,390 shekels of its 500,000 shekel goal.
- Yahav Ohana's plumbing business faltered after he was called up for reserve duty shortly after its launch.
- The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, during Yahav's recent reserve duty.
- The family is seeking public help to clear debts and establish a stable future.
Yahav and Rotem Ohana, a reservist couple from Gan Yavne, are grappling with over 300,000 shekels (approximately $80,000) in debt. The financial hardship began when Yahav, a reservist, opened a plumbing business at the start of the year, which encountered difficulties while he was serving.
A crowdfunding campaign launched to assist the couple has raised 318,390 shekels towards a 500,000 shekel goal. Yahav, who grew up in a bereaved family, has a history of providing financial support to his mother, especially after October 7th. Rotem also completed significant reserve duty in 2024, with Yahav's turn coming in 2025.
Yahav took out a loan to establish his plumbing business on January 1, 2026, with plans to manage his commitments. However, just two weeks after launching, he was called up for reserve duty again. While he was serving, bills and loan repayments continued to accumulate rapidly. Upon his return, he found he had lost many clients he had secured in the business's initial two weeks of operation.
During Yahav's service, the couple's first child, a daughter, was born. Alongside the joy of parenthood, they experienced significant fear and frustration due to their financial situation. Both Yahav and Rotem are reservists, making military service a substantial part of their lives.
The family is now focused on moving forward. Yahav is continuing with his business, Rotem is working, and Yahav's mother has begun therapy and returned to work. Yahav expressed hope that people will help them get back on their feet, enabling them to build a future for their family and clear their debts. The campaign is still short by approximately 180,000 shekels to reach its target.