Business Community Honors Fox CEO Harel Wizel for War Efforts

The annual retail conference, held for the first time in three years, took place last Thursday at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv. This year's event was dedicated to honoring IDF soldiers and the wounded from the "Swords of Iron" war. Businessman Chilik Lasri, owner of the Gift Card company, initiated the event in collaboration with the Association of Chambers of Commerce.

During the ceremony, Harel Wizel, CEO and owner of the Fox Group, received an award for his extensive contributions to IDF soldiers, war casualties, and their families. The event was produced by Odell Productions and attended by numerous senior figures from Israel's business community, including Tzviקה Shwimmer (CEO of Electra Consumer Products), Chai Galis (CEO of BIG), and Yaakov Peretz (CEO of Replay). President Yitzhak Herzog also participated via a special pre-recorded message.

The award to Wizel was a joint initiative by Chilik Lasri and the Association of Chambers of Commerce, led by President Shahar Turgeman. It recognized Wizel's ongoing support for soldiers and their families, particularly his involvement in projects integrating young people with special needs into military service and his support for soldiers during the war.

Lasri stated that the event showcased the business community's ability to unite for a common cause, honoring both soldiers and Wizel for his responsible and committed leadership. Turgeman emphasized the business sector's role in assisting soldiers and their families, highlighting Wizel as an example of business success measured by contributions to others.

The conference featured performances by artists like Eyal Golan and Shlomi Shabat. Wizel's award is linked to his support for the "Gdolim BaMadim" (Great in Uniform) program, established in 2011 by the "Yad Le'Yeled HaMeyuchad" association to integrate young people with special needs into the IDF and subsequently into society and the workforce. In July 2025, Wizel was named the program's "Man of the Year" for his efforts in promoting the inclusion of disabled youth in the military. He was instrumental in raising NIS 2 million within three hours to fund the program, which currently integrates approximately 1,100 young people with special needs across 70 bases.

Additionally, the Fox Group, in partnership with "Falafel BeRibua," organized a food truck initiative to distribute meals to soldiers at bases nationwide. Wizel noted that this activity has been ongoing for nearly four months and is planned through December. Several major companies, including Bank Hapoalim and Strauss, have joined this initiative.