Show your support for Israel by purchasing products made in Israel.

(Courtesy of IMP) The news is inundated with horrific reports about the war in Israel, and it’s difficult to fathom the extent of the challenges faced. After months of discord surrounding protests against judicial reform, on Simchat Torah, all the boundaries fell—between left and right, Sephardim and Ashkenazim, secular and religious. In one fell swoop, the people of Israel woke up to the timeless reality that they are all one in the face of a ruthless and barbaric enemy.

Jews and supporters around the world have issued an unequivocal response, opening their hearts and showing extraordinary generosity. Unprecedented assistance has been extended to many deserving causes, including rescue and response units, bereaved families, those with loved ones held hostage in Gaza, soldiers on the front lines, food banks, and more.

What is it like to live through this nightmare? It’s fair to say that the entire country is united in grieving the losses, worrying about the kidnapped, and living in daily fear of sirens heralding missile attacks (as not all rockets are intercepted). People are anxious about what tomorrow will bring.

However, we can’t ignore the economic aspect. Less than two weeks into the war, many businesses have closed. While some people can work from home, it’s not always an option. In this somber economic climate, Israeli businesses are looking to their brothers and sisters abroad to help them weather the storm and stay afloat.

Hazorfim, a brand synonymous with silver art and Judaica for almost as long as the state of Israel has existed, is making efforts to keep going. “Although our stores in Israel are mainly closed, we’re keeping the factory and head office open,” explained Ofira Gutman-Berrebi, Hazorfim’s deputy CEO. The company’s expert silver artisans and craftsmen come from all over the country, including the war-torn south.

“First of all, it’s our livelihood,” Gutman-Berrebi said. “We need to produce, and are hoping that our U.S. clients will continue to purchase to make up the shortfall in sales from Israel. But it’s more than that. Here at Hazorfim, the work environment is like a second home, and it’s important for us to help our employees maintain a semblance of normalcy in these chaotic times. After it became known that the sister and family of one of our employees was seriously injured, the company and many of our employees have transferred funds to support them.”

For the Galil Mountain Winery in the northern town of Katzrin, the timing couldn’t have been worse, as it coincided with the end of the grape harvest. “In the best of circumstances, we need to work three shifts every day, 24/6, in order to complete the harvest and process the grapes in time. We certainly don’t have the option to work from home,” said Yael Gai, the winery’s international sales and marketing manager.

Further complicating matters, many workers have been called up for reserves, resulting in reduced manpower for this time-sensitive labor. Gai explained that the company is careful to adhere to the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command to minimize danger to employees. “Yesterday, there was a siren, and everyone went to the safe room until it was over. There’s no question: It’s tough working with all the stress and the threat of fire, but we are doing it!”

With restaurants closed, events canceled or scaled down, and no incoming tourists, local wine consumption has plummeted. “People are running to the supermarkets these days to stock up on water, wine not so much,” Gai observed.

Avishai Navon, CEO of You Lingerie, had been anticipating the usual post-High Holidays boost that comes with the onset of wedding season. But with malls and stores closed across the country, sales are practically nonexistent. For business owners like Navon, the economic stress compounds the general tension experienced by the entire country. “We have no idea how long the situation is going to continue, and with the stores closed, we are entirely dependent on overseas sales to stay viable.”

Hazorfim is facing a similar challenge. “October is usually a busy month for us,” said Gutman-Berrebi of Hazorfin. “Tourists who have come for the High Holidays like to shop for Judaica before returning home. And wedding gifts—silver menorahs, candlesticks and kiddush cups—are huge sellers around this time of year. But with the current mood in Israel, people are focused on surviving and taking care of their families and less on shopping—which means huge losses every single day.”

“We want to stay strong and viable, to support our employees and to continue to produce,” said Gutman-Berrebi. “But to do that, we need to sell.”

Many Israeli businesses are struggling right now. Each one supports dozens, and for some, hundreds of families. They aren’t asking for donations. What they are requesting is for people abroad to show their support by purchasing their high-quality products online or from local distributors. Many Israeli businesses, both large and small, have points of sale across the U.S. But even easier is making an online purchase, such as through Hazorfim.com. By patronizing these companies, you are strengthening Israel’s economy during one of its most vulnerable periods. You are helping Israel survive.

“We’ve been through challenges before,” said Gutman-Berrebi. “We are strong, and with the strength and support of our people, we will overcome.”

Company websites/shopping/contacts:

Hazorfim: Order direct: https://hazorfim.com/, Tel: (800) 551-8068; U.S. store: Hazorfim Williamsburg by Eastern Silver, 67 Lee Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, Tel: (718) 387-0445

Galil Mountain Winery: http://www.galilmountain.co.il/en/home/a/main/, https://www.kosherwine.com/galil-mountain.html, Email: [email protected]

You Lingerie: https://younderwear.com, Email: [email protected]