Israeli Women-Owned Startups Struggle To Survive Under Shadow of War With Hizbullah
Northern Israel’s ‘Galiladies’ program aims to keep businesses afloat as citizens displaced by the ongoing conflict with Hizbullah wait to return home.
Former Israeli Knesset member and venture capitalist Erel Margalit has issued a stark warning about the future of northern Israel amid the ongoing war with Hizbullah. Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Margalit emphasized the urgent need for citizens to be allowed to return home, highlighting the economic consequences of the continuing displacement. In an effort to support female entrepreneurs affected by the conflict, the Galiladies program has organized an open house event in partnership with Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP). The event showcased products and services from female-owned businesses and startups forced to evacuate the northern region. With the ongoing war impacting businesses and livelihoods, the Galiladies program aims to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive in northern Israel.
At the temporary boutique bazaar in Tel Aviv’s Rothschild 1 Tower, businesses ranging from artisanal cheese and wine producers to clothing and jewelry makers displayed their products. One participant, Adi Bar-Golan, who manages a tourism business, explained that due to the war, many businesses in northern Israel have been forced to close. Instead of sitting idle, Bar-Golan decided to help other businesses and contribute to the Galiladies initiative. Some of the businesses showcased at her stall, like the YA Winery and Hakol Dvash honey manufacturers, had owners currently serving in the Israeli military reserves. A Bag with a Story, a collection of tote bags featuring artwork by an Israeli artist, was also on sale, with proceeds going to support the survivors of the Nova Music Festival Massacre.
Elana Shap, a journalist who attended the event, expressed her support for the businesses that were forced to leave everything behind. Having volunteered at Kibbutz Ortal in the past and with her son currently working as a winemaker in the southern Golan, Shap felt a personal connection to the cause. The event aimed to not only support these businesses but also draw attention to the threats faced by the future development and business in northern Israel.
Erel Margalit, chairman and founder of Jerusalem Venture Partners and key figure behind the Galiladies program, stressed the need for immediate action to bring businesses and citizens back to the region. Margalit plans to establish Margalit Startup Cities in the northern region, providing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. He believes economic solutions and agreements, rather than a major war, are crucial to achieving this goal. Highlighting the impact of the war on the community, Galiladies participant Deby Selas Dayan emphasized the challenges faced by those who stayed behind or were evacuated from the Galilee.
To support businesses until they can return to their original locations, the Galiladies program has provided extended stays and mentorship opportunities in central Israel. Margalit called for a new economic deal from the government, inspired by US President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, offering incentives to businesses and citizens in the north and south. Margalit Startup City and JVP are working closely with the 174 startups from the Upper Galilee region to guide them through the challenging period and ensure their survival.
As Israeli women-owned startups fight to survive amidst the shadow of war with Hizbullah, initiatives like the Galiladies program provide a beacon of hope. Despite the hardships faced by entrepreneurs in northern Israel, the community’s resilience and determination to rebuild demonstrate their powerful spirit. With continued support and proactive measures, these women-owned startups can overcome the challenges and thrive once again.
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