Dear friends of Shalem,
We are honored to announce that Shalem has donated €12,000 to Gav La’Lochem (“Backing for the Warriors”), an Israeli non-profit devoted to supporting combat-unit veterans for up to five years after completing their mandatory service, helping them transition to and succeed in civilian life.
For many who served in combat, finishing military duty is only the beginning. Balancing reserve service with studies, career development, entrepreneurship, and family life can be immensely challenging. Gav La’Lochem steps into this critical moment, offering tools, mentorship, and community for a smoother, stronger transition.
The Founders
Gav La’Lochem was founded by Oria and Itamar, IDF combat veterans who had also experienced the difficult transition from military to civilian life. We are impressed and inspired by their vision, dedication, and authenticity. They have built an organization that directly addresses the needs of veterans and has already had a profoundly positive impact on many lives.
The Programs
Gav La’Lochem’s strength lies in its tailored range of programs:
- Financial literacy and career mentoring to help veterans plan their professional path.
- Support for reservists running businesses, ensuring their livelihoods can thrive despite long periods of reserve duty.
- Specialized tracks for injured veterans, offering tailored training, resilience tools, and personal mentorship.
- Alumni community, creating a lifelong network of mutual support, opportunities, and guidance.
The results are remarkable: over 80% of participants complete the programs and move forward into higher education, stable careers, and family life. These services have become even more critical today, as many veterans find themselves repeatedly moving between civilian life and demanding reserve service.
Statistics
The organization runs over 60 programs nationwide, supported by a network of 900 mentors and partnerships with more than 30 cities and companies.
To date, it has celebrated around 800 graduates, achieving an outstanding 86% graduation rate — a testament to the effectiveness of its model and the dedication of everyone involved.
Success Stories
Many of Gav La’Lochem’s graduates have gone on to build thriving ventures that reflect the skills, confidence, and purpose they gained through the program.
A few examples:
- Sharbel Nagem, a creative consultant providing brand-building services
- Or Levi Sahar and his company Markme.
- Binyamin Ben Ari, whose work and community projects embody the values of perseverance and contribution (Facebook page).
Beyond these, Gav La’Lochem alumni have launched restaurants, tech companies, design firms, and other small businesses across Israel. Tangible expressions of resilience and entrepreneurship that strengthen local communities.
Each story is a testament to how structured guidance, mentorship, and belief in one’s potential can translate into lasting impact in civilian life.
Shalem’s Involvement
Beyond financial support, Shalem’s co-founder, Ory Weihs, has joined as a mentor in Gav La’Lochem’s tech program, contributing his experience and guidance directly to the next generation of veterans as they build their civilian futures.
Our ability to partner with organizations like Gav La’Lochem is possible thanks to the continued support of our donors. Your generosity enables us to stand alongside initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.
Gav La’Lochem is precisely such a partner — and we are proud to support them, together with you.
Am Israel Chai,
Anna & Ory
