Sam’s journey from Toronto to Israel is just a small part of his dedication and passion for his new home. As the co-founder of Kachol Balev, he leverages his experiences as a new Oleh and connections to support Israeli companies and soldiers during challenging times. In our recent conversation, Sam shared the story behind Kachol Balev, a platform that connects Israeli businesses with international volunteers to provide crucial support and ensure economic stability.
Growing up in Thornhill, a vibrant Jewish community near Toronto, Israel was always a significant part of Sam’s life. “I grew up in a modern Orthodox family where Israel was highly promoted,” Sam shared. “We were encouraged to go on Israel trips, have our bar and bat mitzvahs there, and essentially do whatever we could to stay connected to Israel.”
After taking a gap year in Israel and serving in the Israeli paratroopers, Sam’s bond with the country only grew stronger. Despite returning to Toronto to attend university, he soon realized that Israel was where his heart truly belonged, prompting him to make Aliyah and continue his studies at IDC (now Reichman University). “I always had these dreams growing up,” he said. “One was to play professional hockey in Toronto, which seemed far-fetched. My other dream was to join the army in Israel, which also felt like a distant reality. But after getting in better shape and falling in love with Israel during my gap year, I realized it was possible.”
The idea for Kachol Balev emerged from personal experiences and a strong desire to support the Israeli economy during wartime.
Sam’s co-founder experienced a lack of support from his non-Israeli employer during the October 7th conflict, which fueled his desire to work exclusively with Israeli companies. “He decided he didn’t want to work for a non-Israeli company anymore after seeing their lack of response,” Sam explained. “This realization was a big part of why we started Kachol Balev.”
For Sam, the need for Kachol Balev became evident during his time in reserves. After serving in Gaza, he returned to find his company struggling due to the absence of employees who were called up for military service. “When I got back, my company was really struggling,” he said. “They had to let go of most of my team because they couldn’t sustain operations without us. That’s when I knew we needed to create a platform to support these companies.”
Kachol Balev operates by connecting Israeli companies in need of assistance with volunteers from around the world. Volunteers range from graphic designers and marketing interns to experienced consultants, all offering their skills to support Israeli businesses. “The process is simple,” Sam explained. “Companies and volunteers sign up on our website, get matched based on their needs and skills, and start working together.”
The impact of Kachol Balev has been significant. “One venture capitalist company hired four business development interns from the United States through us, and three of them eventually secured full-time positions,” Sam shared. “Another company needed urgent support after losing an executive in Gaza, and we quickly paired them with a volunteer to help them navigate the crisis. These success stories are what keep us going.”
Looking ahead, Sam envisions Kachol Balev continuing to support Israeli companies long after the conflict ends. “The economic challenges won’t disappear overnight,” he said. “Our goal is to expand our partnership program and work with other organizations to have an even greater impact. We want to support the Israeli economy and foster international cooperation.”
Sam's advice to companies struggling during wartime is simple: reach out for help. “Kachol Balev is ready to provide the support needed to keep businesses afloat,” he emphasized.
For soldiers returning from service, he stresses the importance of taking time to heal and using available resources to find new job opportunities. “There are many resources out there,” Sam said. “We’re here to help you transition back into civilian life successfully.”
Kachol Balev’s mission aligns closely with organizations that support Aliyah to Israel. While the platform primarily empowers Israeli companies and soldiers during challenging times, it also indirectly aids new immigrants by fostering a robust economic environment. Many are volunteering in Israel to engage with businesses through Kachol Balev. They gain valuable insights into the Israeli job market and culture, which can be especially beneficial for those considering internships in Israel or planning their Aliyah. This synergy between supporting local businesses and facilitating integration for new olim demonstrates the multifaceted approach needed to strengthen Israel’s economy and society.
Through their dedication and innovative approach, Sam and his team at Kachol Balev are making a profound difference, ensuring that Israeli companies and soldiers have the support they need to thrive, even in the most challenging times. “It’s about nurturing dreams, fostering resilience, and building a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can thrive,” Sam concluded.
For more information or to get involved with Kachol Balev, visit their website here.