5 Key Takeaways from Ogen’s Q1 2025 Report

By Eldan Kaye, VP of Development and Partnerships

Israel’s economy continues to reel from the prolonged impact of war. In April 2025, despite hopes of stabilization, the annual inflation rate unexpectedly rose to 3.6%, exceeding the government's target range of 1%–3%.

This surge was driven primarily by war-related supply disruptions and sustained consumer demand. Many businesses remain shuttered, and the tourism sector paralyzed by ongoing threats, including a Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport that led major airlines to cancel flights. Meanwhile, although defense spending surged by 65% in 2024, reaching $46.5 billion, there is still little financial aid or coordinated strategy for the hundreds of thousands of reserve soldiers called up for extended service, many of whom have been away from their families, jobs, and futures for over 200 days.

Since the war’s outbreak on October 7, Ogen has led an emergency campaign to support those in crisis and provide urgently needed economic stability. Beyond immediate relief, we remain focused on Israel’s recovery: helping families regain financial footing, advising small businesses, and ensuring that evacuees and farmers can return home and rebuild their communities.

As Israel continues to grapple with the far-reaching economic consequences of war, Ogen’s Q1 2025 report highlights our growing reach, urgent funding needs, and our long-term vision for financial inclusion.

Here are five takeaways:

1: The Yuval Campaign Is Expanding, With Demand Greater Than Ever

Launched in memory of fallen soldier Yuval Silber z”l, the Yuval Campaign provides interest-free loans to reservists serving extended periods during wartime. In Q1 alone, Ogen distributed over 27.1 million NIS to 680 families and individuals. With demand rising sharply, we’ve doubled our goal – from 1,000 to 2,000 families – to ensure these reservists don’t face financial collapse while defending the country.

2: Risk Mitigation Cushions Are Key to Scaling Impact

Risk cushions – either guaranteed or donated – allow Ogen to raise capital from financial markets and impact investors. These buffers make it possible to provide social loans at scale, particularly to small businesses and nonprofits that banks won’t support. In Q1, small business loans reached over 40 million NIS, impacting nearly 1,500 employees.

3: Laying the Groundwork for Israel’s First Social Bank

Ogen is taking its next bold step: building Israel’s first social bank. This mission-driven financial institution will offer inclusive, affordable services to underserved communities across the country. A founding circle is now being formed to support this transformative initiative.

4: Strong Q1 Lending Growth Across All Sectors

Q1 2025 represented the highest quarterly activity in Ogen’s history. Ogen lent over 84.4 million NIS in Q1 alone, with 920 loans across families, nonprofits, and businesses. This includes:

·       680 loans to families and individuals (27.1M NIS)

·       223 loans to small businesses (57.3M NIS)

·       17 loans to nonprofits

5: Mentoring, Not Just Money

Beyond capital, Ogen provided more than 68,000 hours of mentoring in 2024. In Q1 2025, new volunteer mentors and growing community engagement show that financial inclusion is also about knowledge, networks, and confidence.

As the Q1 2025 report highlights, Ogen's work remains vital in addressing the deep economic impact Israel continues to face.

Through crucial support like the expanding Yuval Campaign, scaled social lending across sectors, essential mentoring, and the foundational steps towards Israel's first social bank, Ogen is actively contributing to stability and rebuilding.

This ongoing effort, powered by strong partnerships, aims to help individuals, families, and businesses not just survive, but build secure, dignified lives for the future.

To read the full report, click here