Reflecting on a Year of Resilience: How Our Producers Overcame Crisis
Amid war and hardship, our brave producers continued their work, supported by Lev Haolam subscribers who helped keep their businesses alive.
On October 7th, 2023, Israel was shaken by a devastating war that affected every corner of the country. For many, life changed overnight as families were torn apart, homes were destroyed, and businesses came to a grinding halt. Yet, in the face of such unimaginable challenges, our producers showed resilience and strength. The small businesses that provide unique products for Lev Haolam subscribers have endured difficult times, but their dedication to their craft, their communities, and their country never wavered.
While the impact of the war has been far-reaching, many of our producers took on the additional responsibility of supporting soldiers and families in need. And throughout all of this, they felt the love and support from Lev Haolam members worldwide. Their stories are a testament to the power of unity, perseverance, and faith in the future. Now, more than ever, their connection with our global community has helped sustain them through the darkest of times.
How Our Producers Faced the War: A Year of Courage and Survival
When war erupted on October 7th, 2023, it wasn’t just a fight for survival on the frontlines—it became a battle for the heart and soul of Israel. For our producers, this war was deeply personal. They faced not only the threat of rockets and violence but also the immense challenge of keeping their businesses alive. Every day brought new hardships, from disrupted supply chains to employees being called away to serve in the military. Yet, despite these obstacles, their commitment to their craft and community never wavered.
More than just running businesses, these producers became pillars of support for the soldiers defending Israel and the families left behind. They rallied to donate food, supplies, and even emotional care, often working late into the night to ensure that those on the frontlines had what they needed. Their efforts were about more than survival—they were about standing united as a people.
Below, we highlight some of the producers whose lives and businesses have been deeply impacted over the last year, and how your subscription has made a difference in their lives.
Herby’s Bake Shop: Baking Hope for Soldiers
Last October, Herby Dan and his team at Herby’s Bake Shop were thrust into a state of uncertainty. Located in Beit El, Samaria, Herby’s business faced logistical challenges as many of their workers joined the reserve units. Suppliers were reluctant to deliver due to safety concerns, leaving Herby’s team to drive across the country to collect ingredients. Despite these setbacks, the bakery transformed into a beacon of hope.
Rather than scaling back, Herby and his family found a way to give back. They began baking and donating hundreds of donuts, challahs, and cookies to soldiers fighting on the front lines. One night alone, they delivered over 300 donuts to soldiers, spreading joy and nourishment in the midst of chaos.
For Herby, the message was simple: "Am Israel Chai." He believed that, in these trying times, Israel needed unity more than ever. Thanks to your support, Herby’s Bake Shop has been able to maintain its operations, continue its donations, and share its message of love and perseverance with both soldiers and customers alike.
Current Update:
Herby’s Bake Shop continues to serve soldiers and civilians alike, with the bakery operating as a hub of support for the community. The bakery remains open, with efforts to deliver freshly baked goods to those in the most vulnerable areas, all thanks to the unwavering support from Lev Haolam subscribers.
Shlomit Cohen: Gifts of Nature Amid War
In the hills of Gush Etzion, Shlomit Cohen runs "Gifts of Nature," a small organic cosmetics business. A year ago, her world was shattered when close friends were lost in the Hamas massacre, and her husband, Tomer, rushed off to fight on the frontlines as a tracker in Gaza. Left to manage her household and business, Shlomit faced immense personal and professional challenges.
Despite the pain and uncertainty, Shlomit remained determined to help those around her. She began donating care packages filled with her products to families displaced from the south and offering emotional support through healing treatments using natural medicine. Though her factory in the south ceased operations due to the war, Shlomit opened her home and studio to those in need, creating a safe space for healing and recovery.
Thanks to your support through Lev Haolam, Shlomit was able to continue producing her natural products and provide comfort to families affected by the war.
Current Update:
Shlomit is still offering healing treatments and care packages, working closely with families who have been displaced. Her home remains a refuge for those in need, and her products continue to reach people all over the world, a testament to the global community standing behind her.
424 Salt: Finding Stability in Difficult Times
The war brought a second wave of hardship for 424 Salt, a family-run business that had already weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. Located near the Dead Sea, 424 Salt produces gourmet salt, and their operations were severely impacted as the conflict unfolded.
With orders dropping and employees being called to the reserves, the future seemed uncertain. Yet, once again, Lev Haolam subscribers stepped up. The orders from Lev Haolam helped the business maintain a sense of stability, providing income to families who were otherwise struggling. The emotional support received from across the globe also gave them the strength to persevere through challenging times.
424 Salt is a testament to resilience, and your continued support has allowed them to keep going when everything seemed uncertain.
Current Update:
424 Salt has resumed full production, providing high-quality products to their loyal customers around the world. Despite the challenges, the business has not only survived but continues to grow, thanks to the support from Lev Haolam subscribers.
Herbs of Kedem: The Lasting Effects of the War
Dr. Kidron, founder of Herbs of Kedem, shared how the war affected both his business and family. Located in Judea, Herbs of Kedem faced significant challenges when many of its workers were called up for reserve duty, leaving the factory short-staffed. Dr. Kidron responded by expanding his workforce to include disabled and retired individuals, who exceeded expectations with their dedication.
One elderly worker, a retiree living near the factory, proved invaluable, working long hours and helping improve factory processes. This surprising outcome turned a dire situation into a source of inspiration for Dr. Kidron.
However, on a personal level, the war’s impact was devastating. Dr. Kidron’s son, Yoav, and his family were trapped in a safe room for two days as Hamas terrorists attacked their neighborhood in Sderot, near Gaza. Though they survived physically unharmed, the emotional trauma, particularly for Yoav’s young son Gefen, has left a lasting mark. The psychological scars run deep, as Gefen now fears any loud noise, thinking he must hide.
Current Update:
Dr. Kidron remains hopeful, both as a scientist and entrepreneur. His business has adapted well to the labor challenges, and Herbs of Kedem continues production, ensuring their products reach customers. With your ongoing support, he believes the company will continue to grow stronger.
Jean-Pierre Weill Studio: Art and Resilience
Jean-Pierre Weill's studio has been directly impacted by the war, especially for his daughter, Davida, who manages the studio while her husband serves as a doctor for a combat unit in Gaza. With four young children to care for, she is balancing both family and business challenges.
The studio’s sales, mostly driven by tourists, have sharply declined, and many of the employees have been called up for reserve duty, leaving others to single-parent. Additionally, commuting has become risky in certain areas. Despite the difficulties, the family continues creating their unique Israeli art.
Current Update:
Jean-Pierre Weill Studio faces ongoing sales challenges, but your support allows them to continue. Every purchase helps sustain their business and allows them to care for their employees during these tough times.
Alma Soap: Strength in Community
Alma Soap, like so many others in Israel, has been overwhelmed by the tragic events of Simchat Torah. Emotional upheaval, air raid sirens, and the need to assist displaced families have created an intense and stressful environment. The owners describe the deep solidarity of the Israeli people, as families open their homes to others fleeing danger.
Lev Haolam's community has provided immense comfort. Messages of support from subscribers worldwide have deeply moved the Alma Soap team, offering them strength and hope in dark times.
Current Update:
Alma Soap continues operations, despite the challenges. They ask supporters to pray for peace and safety and to continue supporting their products, as it helps them sustain their livelihoods and contribute to Israel’s resilience.
Masik: Faith in the Soil
Amnon, the founder of Masik, normally finds peace working the fields, harvesting herbs for his natural product range. However, the war has brought tragedy to his family. His cousin and her children were kidnapped from Kfar Aza by Hamas terrorists and taken to Gaza, leaving the family in deep uncertainty and despair.
Business has also been severely impacted, with fewer tourists and logistical challenges making it difficult to maintain operations. Despite these hardships, Amnon and his team press on, hopeful for good news.
Current Update:
Amnon continues to focus on maintaining his business and waiting for updates on his kidnapped relatives. He deeply values the support of Lev Haolam's community, which helps his family and business through this incredibly difficult time.
How Our Customers Helped: United in Action
Through this difficult year, Lev Haolam's global community has proven that distance doesn’t matter when it comes to standing with Israel. Your monthly subscriptions provided financial stability to these producers, allowing them to keep their businesses alive and continue their essential work. But beyond the financial help, you sent a powerful message—that they were not alone. Your support provided hope in the darkest of times, showing these small business owners that the world was standing with them.
Thanks to your commitment, these producers have continued to build their businesses, their communities, and their dreams, even in the face of war. They are a testament to the strength and resilience of Israel, and your role in their survival cannot be overstated.
Over the past year, Israel has faced challenges like never before. Yet through every hardship, our producers have shown incredible resilience, determination, and hope. With your unwavering support, they were able to keep their businesses alive, provide for their families, and support the soldiers defending the country.
By staying connected with Israel through Lev Haolam, you are helping to create a lasting impact. These businesses are more than just companies—they are the heart and soul of Israel’s communities, and with your help, they will continue to grow and prosper.
Strengthen Your Bond with Israel
Israel’s pioneers and small business owners have shown incredible resilience and courage in the face of adversity. By supporting them, you’re not just helping businesses stay afloat; you’re also contributing to the broader effort to ensure that Israel remains a vibrant, thriving nation amidst challenging times. Your support through Lev Haolam has made a tangible difference, helping these businesses continue their work and remain a beacon of hope and strength.
By subscribing, you contribute to the growth and prosperity of Israel while also receiving unique, handcrafted goods that embody the spirit and resilience of the nation. Your involvement helps these businesses navigate their current challenges and plan for a brighter future.
Each subscription is a statement of solidarity and support, affirming that you stand with Israel in both times of joy and times of hardship.