HaOgen’s National Annual Event: a Gathering of an Extraordinary Community That Proves What Unwavering Shared Responsibility is Every Day.

We opened our event on Friday with a simple question: What is the economic impact of the resilience we have created since the beginning of the war? The answer left us all speechless - 2.1 billion NIS. But this value is not just a number. These are hours upon hours where families were given a

breath of fresh air. This is volunteering that carries a deep meaning, one that reminds the families of the IDF reserve forces that their effort is greater than all of us and that an entire community stands behind them. And this, ultimately, is what creates resilience.

When I stood in front of the audience at the event and saw everyone - the laundry folders, the drivers, the cooks, the food-packers, the handymen, the babysitters, the community coordinators, the regional coordinators, and our partners - I understood again how dynamic and unifying this work is. The hall was full of volunteers who come every day to do good, from all corners of the country.

Merav Leshem Gonen moved and inspired us all with her words. In one simple moment, she shared that everyone here is so beautiful - referring to inner beauty. The beauty of community. The beauty of people who choose to be there for each other, to do good together. The HaOgen community for reservist families is made up of amazing men and women—full of compassion, love, and generosity. Those who fill their hearts with hope, optimism, and the belief that there is a better future here—and that we are building it together.

The event ended with a moving performance by Revital Vitelzon Jacobs together with Liron Lev, in a “class party” that managed to touch us all— making us laugh, inspiring us, and most importantly, filling us with more strength to continue on our path.

Because there is still a long way, and a lot to build.

Perhaps the most important thing we took from this day is a small change in words—but a big one in meaning:

From now on, we will not just say “I fold laundry for reservist families”

or “I deliver meals” or “I manage a community”

We will say: I build community. I create resilience. I am cultivating the future of the State of Israel.

At HaOgen for Reservist Families, there are over 23,000 volunteers who do good together every day. We meet face-to-face with all of these kind eyes. Together, we have built one large community that creates true Israeli resilience. We have come to cherish, support, and embrace each other for the rest of the journey.

Deep appreciation and recognition also goes to our partners, who walk hand-in hand with us and help bring our vision to life. This partnership is the engine behind the resilience that we are building together.