Headstart Raises 117 Million NIS for War-Related Campaigns Since October 7
Headstart crowdfunding platforms raised 117 million NIS across 1,232 war-related campaigns since October 7, 2023, reflecting unprecedented public solidarity and civic action in Israel.
Over the past three years since the October 7, 2023 massacres and the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war, the Headstart crowdfunding group has raised approximately 117 million NIS through 1,232 distinct campaigns. These initiatives ranged from emergency supply drives for soldiers and evacuees to community rehabilitation, hostage advocacy, survivor support, and national memorial projects.
Surge in Solidarity and Crowdfunding Metrics
Data provided by Headstart to Calcalist shows that more than 605,000 individual donors participated in these campaigns, with an average donation of 193 NIS. Sixteen different campaigns surpassed the one-million-shekel milestone. Across all categories on its three main platforms—Headstart, Giveback, and Beactive—the group facilitated 355 million NIS in total donations across 17,700 projects, representing a 112% increase compared to the preceding three-year period.
"With the outbreak of the war, various fundraising campaigns and links began circulating wildly, creating a massive spike in donations but also raising concerns about where the money was going," said Asaf Greenfeld, CEO and co-founder of Headstart. "Therefore, we decided alongside Keshet and 'Round Up' to launch a joint initiative, leveraging our status as the only regulated crowdfunding body under Capital Market Authority oversight."
Memorials, Survivors, and Protest Movements
The single highest-earning campaign was launched the day after the disaster, raising 10.5 million NIS from roughly 31,000 supporters to aid southern residents and security forces. Memorial initiatives also saw profound public engagement, with 207 campaigns raising about 17 million NIS dedicated to commemoration and remembering the fallen.
Support for returning hostages and survivors generated significant backing. For instance, the rehabilitation campaign for Rom Braslavski raised approximately 6.3 million NIS from over 45,000 contributors, making it the second-largest campaign overall. Another major effort supported Ariel Cunio and Arbel Yehud, raising 5.7 million NIS.
Crowdfunding also served as a vehicle for civic protest and political pressure. Campaigns for the national memorial ceremonies organized by families raised millions over successive years, including over 4.6 million NIS for the upcoming ceremony at Ganei Yehoshua park in Tel Aviv marking three years since the tragedy. Additionally, targeted political and protest campaigns—such as fundraisers critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and mobilization efforts against judicial and governmental moves during wartime—secured millions of shekels from engaged citizens.
