When Joel Jerozolim made Aliyah in 2007, he thought he would work as a rabbi, as he had done in Woodmere. But a chance encounter with Rami Goldberg, an old friend, led him to consider a new path–starting his own business.
In 2013, the two friends launched Optimal IP, a broker for international patent attorneys. Through NBN’s Employment Department, the company recruited a great staff, and with the help of other Olim business owners, the founders discussed ideas for getting their business off the ground. Since then, the company has employed 14 people, opened offices in Beit Shemesh and Efrat, and worked with over 200 clients.
For many Olim, starting a business is not only a great way to become financially independent, it is also a powerful way for Olim to be able to spread their light and give back to their community by employing fellow Olim.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to provide for my family in Israel, and to help other Olim do the same,” said Joel.
Sarah and Offer Ben Saadon, Co-Founders of Optymizer, a one-stop-shop for businesses’ online marketing, feel similarly. After making Aliyah from Texas, the couple relocated to Southern Israel, where they could find the same warmth and space that they were used to, and launched their business. Through word-of-mouth referrals, their Lehavim-based business quickly expanded, and they hired five people to join the team.
“We’re lucky that there are now a lot of native English speakers making Aliyah, coming to the south, and looking for great jobs,” said Sarah. Not everyone they hire has previous marketing experience on their resume, but Sarah believes that the staff’s diverse strengths and backgrounds are what make Optymizer so strong.
In addition to providing their staff with meaningful work, Offer, a native Israeli, is also able to help the team with everyday Aliyah and Hebrew-related questions.
“We’re trying to help everyone as best as we possibly can,” said Sarah. “When you offer your clients the best, you keep your clients, and the same is true for your employees.”
With plans to grow, Optymizer is hoping to relocate their office to the hi-tech park in Be’er Sheva and to hire more English-speaking Olim.
Interested in launching your own business in Israel? Malot, a project of the Ministry of Absorption and MATI, is designed to help Olim establish new businesses and expand existing ones. Project Malot offers businesses up to 20 free hours of consulting in English, focused on marketing, management, business plan creation, and more. Olim may also take part in professional workshops and apply for business loans.
