Background
We believe that supporting small local businesses in Israel fosters resilience and will contribute to a return to a "normal" productive life once the war is behind us. Owners & entrepreneurs are finding it challenging to support themselves for a variety of reasons, such as reserve service, inability to reach foreign clients, struggling domestic market, and more.
What is ESEK?
ESEK is an online platform dedicated to supporting Israeli small businesses by offering a curated selection of handcrafted products that embody the spirit and resilience of Israel. The platform serves as a bridge connecting Israeli artisans and entrepreneurs financially impacted by the ongoing war with global customers, allowing them to share their unique stories and creations.
- Curated Catalog: ESEK showcases a diverse range of products, including Judaica, artisan crafts, personal care items, and family games. An Israeli small business crafts each of its products.
- Global Accessibility: The platform offers free worldwide shipping.
- Support for Displaced Families: In response to recent conflicts, ESEK has initiated efforts to support Israeli families displaced by the war. They are raising funds to provide care packages containing products such as family games, sourced from local merchants who have been affected by the ongoing war.
- Cultural exchange: ESEK showcases the soul and spirit of Israel through products as unique as the stories of those who create them. The platform not only promotes cultural exchange but also contributes to the country's resilience and sustainability.
Why and how we support ESEK
We are supporting in the form of a donation as well as "venture debt," in which we assist ESEKs in acquiring "trapped inventory", allowing the businesses to continue operating while maintaining a sustainable cash flow model.
At a time when Israel’s small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, we believe it’s more important than ever to stand with the people behind them, especially those in the country’s north, south, and underserved communities. That’s why we’re proud to support “Voices of Israel: A Marketplace of Makers and Ideas”, a month-long pop-up store and cultural event taking place in August 2025 at the Maisel Synagogue in Prague.
This initiative is more than a marketplace; it’s a bridge between cultures, a source of vital economic support, and a platform for stories of resilience and creativity.
