Hundreds of Israeli businesses join new online platform to help them through the war

More than 500 Israeli businesses have signed up to a new free online platform designed to help them cope during the conflict.

The pro-bono initiative is the brainchild of e-commerce entrepreneurs Jonathan Prezman and Erez Marchini, who developed the platform in between their combat missions serving on IDF reserve duty.

Prezman and Marchini are the co-founders of Goopss, which uses AI to help e-commerce businesses maximise their online sales, but when they saw how businesses were struggling after the war broke out, they wanted to come up with a way to help.

Prezman, who has been serving in the Duvdevan Unit, told Jewish News: “After 7 October when we were called up, we would try to speak to our customers in between missions and saw that they were struggling. They either couldn’t sell or their premises were closed. We understood that it wasn’t just about our customers, but the wider ecosystem of Israeli online stores – so many were struggling. ”

While serving in their units, the entrepreneurs began drafting a concept, together with e-commerce influencer Liran Weiss.

“Erez and I were on reserve duty for about 60 days and would do it in between our combat training and missions,” said Prezman. “And we soon realised that there were other communities outside of Israel who wanted to help – we could see this from all the food and uniform that were being sent to the units – so we wanted to bridge the gap between the shops and buyers across the world wanting to support Israeli businesses.”

The platform, which is hosted on the Goopss website, was launched two weeks ago once the duo had been released from reserve duty. Over 500 vendors have signed up. “We were really surprised by how well it went,” said Prezman. “The response has been amazing. People are really grateful.

“This is our contribution to the local economy in Israel. We don’t take anything from it and we won’t say no to any Israeli shop who wants to join.”

Before 7 October, Goopss was having a successful year. Launched in 2023 initially to target the Israeli market, revenues were up 30 per cent month with plans to expand globally this year.

“But when the war started things plunged and unfortunately, the war has caused delays in our timetable. After two months we were 50 per cent down revenue wise. Now things are starting to pick up again.

“It’s been really tough, especially for our families, as we both have three young children.”

But the duo are determined to “offer supporters of Israel worldwide the opportunity to connect directly with these businesses, providing quality merchandise and a chance for people globally to contribute to Israel’s economic resilience during these challenging times.

“Let’s make a positive impact together – your shopping helps Israelis rebuild their economy.”

goopss.com