For more than three decades, Khir Diab built his premium confectionery business in the Arab Israeli city of Tamra with care and determination. Since 1989, he has served clients from across Israel, Jewish and Arab alike. “Work was good,” he said. “Everything was going smoothly.”
Then came the war with Iran.
Tamra was among the hardest-hit cities. One missile strike claimed the lives of an entire family. For Khir, it wasn’t just the city that changed; it was the future of his livelihood. “The North was severely hit. Business dropped by 100 percent, just like that.”
With income gone and the future uncertain, Khir began searching for help. That’s when he found Ogen.
Through its “Israel’s Financial First Responders” initiative, Ogen is partnering with local municipalities to deliver rapid, tailored economic support. Within hours of Iran’s deadly strike in Tamra, Ogen set up an emergency hub, assessing the situation,offering credit, guidance, and stability to families and small business owners.
Khir applied for a loan of NIS 250,000 through Ogen. The process, he says, was quick, simple, and effective. “Thanks to Ogen, we’re going to bring this business back to life…starting now”
Khir was also matched with a professional mentor, a volunteer senior business executive who will work with him for the next 18 months. Together, they’ll map out recovery, manage financial planning, and rebuild the business with long-term strategy – not just short-term survival.
The Israel’s Financial First Responders program offers small business owners:
- Subsidized loans of up to NIS 650,000 at Prime +1%
- Dynamic credit lines of up to NIS 200,000
- Interest-free loans of up to NIS 100,000 through SparkIL, a joint initiative with The Jewish Agency
- Three-month mentoring from experienced executives
- Access to Ogen’s national network of small business resources, professional webinars, and community support
Through this model, Ogen is raising an initial NIS 70.1 million in philanthropic support to secure NIS 210.1 million in loan capital, helping stabilize 690 small businesses like Khir’s, and supporting more than 34,000 Israelis whose lives depend on them.
Khir’s story is just one of many. Hundreds of small business owners are still struggling to recover. Your donation empowers them with real-time support and tools to rebuild with dignity.