The Israeli military has taken extraordinary measures to bolster its forces during the ongoing Gaza war by calling up citizens in reserve duty to provide support. Reports have suggested that the military summoned around 360,000 reservists, which amounts to about 4% of Israel’s total population, to leave their regular jobs and join the military operation. While some experts have expressed concerns about potential staff shortages, individuals like Bobi Gilburd are stepping up to fulfill their obligations and support the country during this challenging time.
As chief innovation officer at Team8, Gilburd brings a unique perspective to the situation. Having spent 26 years in the Israeli Defence Forces’ Unit 8200 intelligence unit, Gilburd was called up at the start of the conflict and served for just under four weeks. He explains that while reservists are officially obligated to report for duty, most do not wait to be called but proactively offer their assistance to their former regiments. Many individuals in the tech industry, such as those at Team8, have high-level military experience and willingly answer the call to serve their country, either in their previous roles or in new positions as needed.
The mobilization of reservists has had an impact on various businesses, including those within the Team8 portfolio. Gilburd notes that during the first few weeks of the conflict, about two-thirds of a particular company’s founders were engaged in reserve duty. However, these individuals are committed to fulfilling both their military duties and their regular work obligations. While efforts are made to support reservists and backfill roles, people are still finding ways to balance both responsibilities. Even in the face of this national crisis, many companies have strived to maintain their operations and achieve their goals.
Despite the challenging circumstances in which both reservists and companies find themselves, Team8 and other entities have risen to the occasion by supporting reserve service members and working to fill in staffing gaps. An innovative approach has been adopted by Team8, where they have actively reached out to their portfolio companies and offered assistance. Their commitment to maintaining operations and fulfilling obligations to their clients and customers has been unwavering, despite the added pressures of the conflict.
Looking to the future, questions remain about the sustainability of operating under these conditions for an extended period. While the widespread mobilization of reservists is essential to meet the demands of the conflict, it is unlikely that businesses and individuals can continue functioning at this heightened level for a prolonged period. However, despite the challenges presented by the conflict, Gilburd remains optimistic about the resilience of the Israel tech industry, maintaining that there will be no long-term impact. This sentiment is echoed by a broader sense of determination and commitment to continue working through the crisis, with a shared understanding of the significance of the conflict.
Ultimately, the Israeli military’s decision to summon reservists has spotlighted the commitment and resilience of the Israeli people. From the frontline soldiers to those balancing their civilian jobs and military service, individuals have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their country during this challenging time. As the conflict continues, it is evident that the Israeli tech industry, along with other sectors, is committed to adapting and persevering in the face of adversity.