Jewish National Fund-USA is nourishing Israel’s North through support for small businesses

In Israel’s northern and southern regions, where economic and security challenges test resilience, Jewish National Fund-USA and its Western Galilee Now (WGN) Small Business Association are transforming lives. Through innovative support, they empower small businesses to not only survive but thrive. A shining example is Dor Pintel, whose journey embodies the impact of Jewish National Fund-USA’s multifaceted initiatives. 

Dor grew up in Ra'anana before moving with his family to Chicago. At 18, he returned to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) paratrooper unit as a lone soldier. He then became a tour guide before pivoting to farming after COVID shuttered tourism. Using a van, he and his business partner, Amit, transported lettuce from farm to table. They partnered with farmers whose restaurant clients were closed due to the pandemic and instead delivered the produce to consumers via social media apps.  

Starting with eight lettuce varieties, Dor’s business now offers over 400 products, sourced from 40 farmers and his own organic farm. Employing 38 people—teenagers, single mothers, retirees, and military veterans—his farm delivers fresh, pesticide-free greens to 300–400 families weekly from Haifa to the northern border with Lebanon. 

“The produce sometimes makes its way into Lebanon itself, delivered by IDF soldiers to IDF soldiers,” said Dor proudly. “Care packages sent from their parents.” 

Then October 7 hit and the ensuing war brought hardship: a third of Dor’s clients evacuated and sales plummeted. As Dor shielded his daughters from Hezbollah rockets and debris falling nearby, he realized he needed better protection and made a personal appeal to Jewish National Fund-USA. The organization responded swiftly, funding a bomb shelter for Dor’s field, which was later beautified by Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers. Most recently, during Iran’s missile assault, Dor put it to good use and felt very grateful for his upgraded protection. 

As a Jewish National Fund-USA Small Business Consortium member since his tour guide days, Dor credits their workshops for his success. The consortium promotes farm tours, which help boost revenue, and Dor’s farm’s produce is part of support packages sponsored by Jewish National Fund-USA’s online store (jnf.org/store). 

“Those packages help out a lot of people in the Galilee,” Dor said. “Jewish National Fund-USA does a good job of involving many local businesses in the effort.  

“This community has really come through for me. The support packages help stabilize cash flow, and the JNF-USA volunteer missions have been very helpful.” 

Dor’s story reflects the broader impact: small businesses in the North are empowered to grow, employ, and thrive, even in adversity. From workshops to volunteer support, from bomb shelters to support packages, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach helps entrepreneurs like Dor to cultivate success and contribute to the organization's far-reaching circles of impact. 

For more information visit jnf.org/wgn