Businesses around the world pledge their support to Israeli aid efforts

Since Hamas attacked Israel at the weekend, members of the international business community have mobilised to show their support.

Earlier this week, investment firm Jefferies held a global trading day to raise money for accredited charities. The company’s companies, shareholders and employees raised $13 million that will go to ten selected charities that provide critical humanitarian aid to those in Israel impacted by the violence. They include Magen David Adom, Hatzalah United and Barzilai Medical Centre.

Rich Handler, CEO, and Brian Friedman, President, of Jefferies commented:

“We are proud of our clients, employee-partners and friends who have once again come together to provide aid to those in need from the violence and terror this week in Israel. We expect that our delivery of $8.6 million will support the lifesaving work and relief efforts of these 10 organizations.”

www.jefferies.com

According to IVC Reseach Centre, a leading data source on Israel’s High-Tech Industry, Mobileye, which develops autonomous driving technologies, will donate NIS 5 million to non-profit institutions that help the residents of the south. Israel’s Economic Leaders Forum raised NIS 28 million from about 250 companies, and Bank Hapoalim is establishing a loan fund of NIS 750 million with no interest.

Also this week, venture capital firm General Catalyst allocated $250,000 to support humanitarian efforts on the ground and flexible working space Mindspace said it is opening its spaces in Israel to volunteers and organisations uniting to help soldiers, families, inhabitants of the south, all those affected and their loved ones.

Writing on his LinkedIn, Mindspace co-founder Yotam Alroy said: “Whether it’s to set up pick-up points for donations of food and supplies or to gather with fellow volunteers, we’re here to help.
“The same applies to people who currently find themselves sheltered in other homes and who require a place to work or meet. For those interested, please reach out to info@mindspace.me.”

After the initial attacks by Hamas, a group of Israeli tech entrepreneurs created a tech platform for anyone in Israel who needs rescue or is under fire, www.kvarbaim.co.Il.

Ami Daniel, the co-founder and CEO of Windward, a global leader in maritime risk analytics, said: “Together with our partners we assisted in rescuing hundreds of citizens under fire . 60+ people working around the clock in unreal situations together with brace forces under fire.”

Google and Microsoft CEOs have since come out in support of Israel.
“Heartbroken by the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel and the escalating conflict,” wrote Microsoft’s Satya Nadella. “Google has 2 offices and over 2,000 employees in Israel. It’s unimaginable what they’re experiencing,” wrote Google’s Sundar Pichai. (Source: CTech)

Venture capitalists, senior executives, including founders in Israeli and foreign startup companies, are among those that have been called up for IDF reserve service.

Leading investment banking firm Jefferies has announced that it will hold a Global Trading Day today (Oct 10th) to raise funds for accredited charities focused on providing humanitarian aid to those impacted by the violence and terror in Israel.

Headquartered in New York, Jefferies has offices around the world including London, Hong Kong and Tel Aviv.

The company said it will donate 100% of net global trading commissions on October 10 for all trading in equities and fixed income by the Firm’s clients. In addition, Jefferies as a firm will donate $1 million directly, and its more than 5,300 employees worldwide will be given the opportunity to personally donate to these efforts. These contributions will then be carefully allocated to qualified charities to make sure the proceeds go directly to the people most in need.

Rich Handler, CEO, and Brian Friedman, President, of Jefferies commented:

“We are devastated by the violence and terror that has affected families and communities in Israel. Charities working to provide aid and services to those wounded, traumatized or displaced will receive our support. We encourage our employees and clients around the world to join in this effort.”

For further info, see www.jefferies.com

VC firm General Catalyst has allocated $250,000 to support humanitarian efforts on the ground.

Flexible working space Mindspace is opening its spaces in Israel to volunteers and organisations uniting to help soldiers, families, inhabitants of the south, all those affected and their loved ones.

Writing on his LinkedIn, Mindspace co-founder Yotam Alroy said: “Whether it’s to set up pick-up points for donations of food and supplies or to gather with fellow volunteers, we’re here to help.
“The same applies to people who currently find themselves sheltered in other homes and who require a place to work or meet. For those interested, please reach out to info@mindspace.me.”

And a group of Israeli tech entrepreneurs have spent the past couple of days creating a tech platform for anyone in Israel who needs rescue or is under fire, www.kvarbaim.co.Il.

Ami Daniel, the co-founder and CEO of Windward, a global leader in maritime risk analytics, said: “Together with our partners we assisted in rescuing hundreds of citizens under fire . 60+ people working around the clock in unreal situations together with brace forces under fire.”