Reviving Israel's Economy: How Small Businesses are Empowered through the ESEK Model

On Dec. 28, 2023, I arrived in Tel Aviv not as a tourist but as an oleh chadash — a new immigrant. My decision to make aliyah was deeply personal, but the timing, just weeks after the tragedy of Oct. 7, tied my arrival to Israel’s collective moment of crisis. Amid the ongoing war, I witnessed firsthand the economic strain rippling across the country: tourism at a standstill, small businesses struggling, and families facing profound uncertainty.

The Backbone of Israel's Economy

Small businesses are the backbone of Israel’s economy and culture, accounting for over half of its GDP and providing critical employment in communities across the country. However, these businesses face a trifecta of challenges: the loss of tourist revenue, disruptions caused by reserve duty requirements, and difficulty accessing global markets. While grassroots efforts have encouraged Jewish communities worldwide to buy from Israel, these campaigns often lack the infrastructure, visibility, and curated approach needed to sustain meaningful support for small businesses over the long term.

Sarit and Anati, founders of Hooga, show off one of their English-language family games during a site visit in Nechusha, Israel. Courtesy/ESEK

Launching ESEK

My professional career has focused on using business and technology to solve problems and create better, more valuable experiences. After meeting with numerous small business owners from diverse backgrounds across Israel, I realized the same challenges kept emerging: they need the infrastructure to connect with people and communities around the world. Thus, I launched ESEK to address critical gaps in how small businesses engage with the global market, aiming to be a true partner to unlock new opportunities, partnerships, and markets.

Supporting Small Businesses

First, we source unique products directly from small businesses, especially those in Israel’s geographic and social peripheries who are often the hardest hit economically. We pay prices set by the small business, offer advance payments, and purchase in volume, providing our partners with reliable revenue streams.

Second, we eliminate the logistical barriers that often prevent small businesses from selling abroad. By including global shipping costs and ensuring every product is sent directly from Israel, we remove the “sticker shock” of international shipping fees that often deter potential buyers. Each package comes with a card telling the story of the entrepreneur behind the product, creating a personal connection that elevates buying into an act of solidarity and cultural exchange.

Barak Illouz, founder of Berko Design Studio, in his studio in Ein Ayala, Israel, holding his Bauhaus-inspired Terrazzo Chanukiah. Courtesy/ESEK

Finally, we leverage technology and social media to elevate Israeli small businesses. Their products are featured alongside engaging digital content that highlights the unique stories behind each item, fostering a deeper connection between people worldwide and the businesses they support. This storytelling-first approach showcases the creativity and innovation of Israeli society.

Community Support Initiatives

With Hanukkah approaching this year, ESEK launched an initiative to support families internally displaced by Oct. 7 who are moving to new housing. With the support of generous individuals and organizations worldwide, we assembled “care packages” of Judaica sourced from small businesses, ensuring these families receive tangible support and a sense of connection from the Jewish community during this difficult time. These packages exemplify ESEK’s dual mission: uplifting those in need while providing much-needed revenue to Israeli small businesses.

Technology offers a way to stand with Israel even from afar. With a few clicks, anyone can connect to and support Israeli small businesses, bringing a taste of Israel’s artistry and entrepreneurship into their home.

As Hanukkah approaches, I urge everyone who stands with Israel to turn that sentiment into action. Supporting Israel is not just about resilience; it’s about opportunity. When you purchase from an Israeli small business, you’re participating in a story, empowering a family, and strengthening the economy. Supporting Israel’s entrepreneurs, their families, and communities should be a core tenant of our efforts. Together, we can ensure that Israel’s small businesses thrive and its entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire the world.

Andrew Keene is the founder of ESEK, a social business with a mission to connect people and communities around the world with the remarkable products and stories of Israeli small businesses.