Paamonim conference focuses on economic protection during wartime

At Paamonim’s annual conference at Ono Academic College, the organization’s senior staff discussed the main financial challenges facing Israeli families during the war and the need to be prepared for unexpected expenses. The event highlighted how the conflict has intensified economic strain, while also underscoring Paamonim’s role in helping households regain stability.

Avishai Landau, head of the organization’s "One-Time" service, told Channel 7 that many Israelis are struggling financially even if they are not overdrawn. Citing Bank of Israel data, he said that about 40% of the public is in overdraft and in some level of distress, while 60% are not in overdraft but still live in a fragile situation. He also said, "250 trillion shekels sit in bank accounts without tax," arguing that people often do not know how to use their money effectively. In his words, the service helps people look ahead, put their money to work, and be ready for any surprise, planned or unplanned.

Zehava Bohdana, a program consultant at Paamonim, said the war worsened the situation for many families, while some were already in difficulty before it began. She added that the government has introduced new programs and that the organization helps people make sense of them. Sarit Sultan, who heads the programs department, said one flagship initiative is "Protected Financial Space," which supports people directly affected by the war, including residents of the north and south, reservist families, families of hostages who returned, and bereaved families. She said the support is free, includes expert guidance, and has already assisted more than 4,800 war victims, with hundreds more requests still coming in.

Michal Harel, Paamonim’s deputy CEO, said discussing money is often sensitive, but the organization wants to help anyone who needs it. "Money is relevant to everyone," she said, adding that everyone has a place at Paamonim.