Non-Profit Offering Loans For Businesses Owned By IDF Officers 

An Israeli non-profit is offering financial aid and advice to Israel Defense Forces reservists whose businesses are suffering after they received an emergency call up following the massive Hamas terror attack on October 7. 

Ogen’s “Reserves for Reservists – Officer Loan Fund” aims to raise up to $10 million to provide interim fiscal support to senior officers, whose focus it says should be on the soldiers they command during wartime rather than concerns about their companies. 

More than 350,000 IDF reservists –  including thousands of senior officers – were called up under Order 8 in the wake of the attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw hundreds more abducted to Gaza. 

Ogen has partnered with JGive, Israel’s largest online platform for donations, on the initiative. There have been a large number of applicants – more than half from officers holding the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher – since its launch less than two weeks ago. 

Applicants must hold the rank of company commander or higher to qualify for the loans.  

“Ogen is committed to providing tailored support to thousands of businesses, families and nonprofits. These people have been left behind by the banks and the government and it is our responsibility to help,” said Eldan Kaye, VP Development & Partnerships of Ogen. 

“This initiative was created as an answer to real needs – reserve officers who are enlisted and have been leading the war efforts for the past two months, are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Beyond mere financial alleviation, this initiative serves as a strategic intervention for these officers whilst they carry out the mission of fighting our war. We have been inundated with demand for this track and we request the support of the philanthropic community for this urgent need.”