Israel’s municipalities are carrying a heavy burden of recovery following the 12-day war with Iran. As missiles struck residential neighborhoods and public infrastructure, it was local governments, already stretched thin, that were called on to respond. From the north to the south, municipal authorities found themselves responsible not only for physical safety, but for the urgent economic and emotional needs of thousands of families and small businesses now facing collapse. Yet they have been given limited resources and minimal support, and lack contingency plans to handle the scope of the emergency.
In the absence of stable income, savings, or external support, individuals and businesses simply cannot function. Recovery depends on basic financial security. Without it, families cannot pay rent or relocate, and businesses cannot reopen or retain employees.
“Ogen has stood by us from day one — physically present on the ground. Their representative, Khaled Hasan, came to the municipality, sat with us, and opened up channels of aid and support. Together, we built a coordinated response plan. We are deeply grateful for the support, assistance, and solidarity during such a tragic time.”
-Adel Khatib, CEO of Tamra municipality
Prepared for any crisis, Ogen, Israel’s leading nonprofit social lender, has launched “Israel’s Financial First Responders,” a new emergency relief program backed by an initial NIS 100 million ($30M) fund. The campaign delivers subsidized and interest-free loans, as well as financial guidance and mentorship, to ensure financial security and support long-term recovery for those hit hardest by the war. The fund is expected to double to NIS 200 million in the coming weeks, giving locals a way to get back on their feet and plan for their future.
To implement this effort on the ground, Ogen is working directly with municipalities across the country, providing them with tailored support packages to meet the needs of affected residents.
Through these municipal kits, residents receive financial guidance and customized credit solutions for families and small businesses, emotional and mental health assistance, legal guidance, welfare solutions, employment counselling, business mentoring and community-based support. The goal is to reduce the gap between the state and the citizen, and between philanthropic funds and those in need, and to provide financial solutions that meet the actual needs of the field.
In cities like Tamra and Haifa, Ogen has embedded trained support teams into municipal response operations, enabling rapid service deployment without red tape. Within hours of the first major Iranian missile strike on Tamra, Ogen established an on-the-ground operations hub to support affected Arab-Israeli residents. This localized response ensures that marginalized and high-risk populations are not left behind.
Ogen is raising an initial NIS 67.4 million ($20M) in philanthropic support to unlock over NIS 208.9 million ($62M) in loan capital. This highly leveraged model will enable support for 690 families and 690 small businesses, impacting over 34,000 people. In addition, 1,000 families will receive personalized financial counseling, and 200 businesses will benefit from professional mentoring and recovery guidance.
Ogen is helping ensure that Israel’s recovery is not only national in scale, but locally driven, equitable, and immediate. In every case, financial stability is a precondition for rebuilding—without it, recovery cannot begin. Support us in that mission.