Northern Businesses Evacuated Due to War Find New Purpose and Resilience
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Northern Israeli businesses, displaced and economically harmed by the ongoing conflict, are showcasing resilience through social initiatives. The ShoppingIL campaign highlights ventures like Rom Farm, which integrates individuals with mental health challenges and evacuated producers into its agricultural and tourism operations. Google Israel supports these businesses, emphasizing the importance of their contribution to Israeli society during this challenging time.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Northern Israeli businesses displaced by war are finding new purpose through social initiatives.
- Rom Farm offers vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental health challenges.
- Evacuated northern producers have relocated operations to Rom Farm.
- ShoppingIL and Google Israel are promoting these resilient businesses.
- The initiatives provide employment and support for those affected by the conflict.
Businesses in Israel's northern region, severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, are demonstrating remarkable resilience and finding new avenues for growth and social impact. The ShoppingIL initiative, in its 13th year, is highlighting businesses with a social conscience, including producers from the north who were displaced by the war, a rehabilitation farm, and ventures providing employment opportunities for individuals with mental health challenges.
One such initiative is "Rom Farm," a 23-year-old project that integrates tourism, agriculture, and deep social work. The farm operates a unique employment program for individuals with mental health conditions, offering them vocational rehabilitation in a pastoral setting. Participants are involved in all aspects of the farm, from the goat dairy and tourism to the vegetable garden, spice garden, and woodworking shop, acquiring skills for integration into the open job market. The farm sells its products, including organic spices, cheeses, and gift packages, online.
Since October 7, Rom Farm has also launched resilience programs for former soldiers and reservists. Crucially, the farm has become a new home for local producers from the north who were evacuated, allowing them to continue their operations there and integrate the recovering individuals into their production activities.
Google Israel, a partner in ShoppingIL, stated that purchasing from businesses like those at Rom Farm offers "direct support to producers who refuse to give up, and a real embrace for employment frameworks that provide meaning and healing to Israeli society, precisely when it needs it most." Google also provides ongoing support to businesses throughout the year with tools, programs, and training in artificial intelligence and other areas to enhance their digital capabilities, reach customers nationwide, and improve the online shopping experience.