Along the rolling hills of the Golan Heights, Shiri Levy stands among wooden cabins that overlook the Sea of Galilee, watching as construction workers install new pools and repair damaged exteriors.

For 11 years, she and her husband built their tourism business here, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with stunning lake views. After Oct. 7, 2023, everything changed.

“When the fighting reached the north, there was a drastic drop,” Levy explains. “My husband was called up as a combat reservist to fight in both Gaza and Lebanon. I was left with five kids, exhausted, not sleeping, and constantly worried. We didn’t operate the business during that time.”

Her story echoes across Israel’s periphery, where small business owners face a perfect storm of challenges: extended military reserve dut

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