Over 1.2 Million Shekels Raised to Rebuild Family Wood Business Destroyed in Gilad Farm Fire

A devastating fire swept through Gilad Farm last weekend, destroying the lifelong work of the Cohen family, including their wood supply business "Tzameret." The fire broke out shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday during the peak season for the business, rapidly spreading from a small blaze in a nearby wadi to a massive inferno. The fire consumed the warehouse, equipment, inventory, and orders, leaving the family’s enterprise in ruins and displacing about 30 families living on the farm.

The "Tzameret" business, which had been built over many years and employed eight workers, supplied raw materials to customers across Israel. The timing of the fire was especially damaging as it occurred during the critical months of July through September and the Jewish High Holidays, when the business generates a significant portion of its annual income. The family now faces not only the loss of physical assets but also a severe loss of income during their busiest period.

In response, over 4,500 donors have contributed more than 1.2 million shekels to support the family and the community’s recovery efforts. Despite this outpouring of solidarity, the Cohen family acknowledges that the path to full recovery will require much more funding to replace equipment, restock inventory, rehire employees, and compensate for lost revenue.

Yehuda Cohen, a longtime Magen David Adom volunteer and respected community member, expressed gratitude for the support and faith in rebuilding. He shared a poignant moment of personal pain upon seeing the destroyed home of a widow of a close friend killed in a terror attack. Public figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have visited to offer encouragement. The family remains determined to restore "Tzameret," return employees to work, and rebuild their livelihood with the help of ongoing donations.

The community continues to rally around the Cohen family, emphasizing resilience and mutual aid as they face the long road ahead to recovery.