Invest in Israel. Invest in Israel Bonds.

Worldwide sales of Israel bonds since the first bonds were issued in 1951 have now exceeded $35 billion. From its inception, the Bonds organization has been praised for dependabilty and cost-effectiveness, and has been widely acknowledged as one of Israel’s most valued and strategic resources.

Proceeds from the sale of Israel bonds have played a decisive role in Israel’s rapid evolution from agrarian nation into a groundbreaking, global leader in high-tech, cleantech and biotechnology.

Israel Bonds capital has also helped strengthen every aspect of Israel’s economy, enabling national infrastructure development. Today, expanded ports and transportation networks are facilitating shipping of ‘made in Israel’ technology – which saves lives and changes the world on a daily basis – around the world.

In praising these achievements, Israeli President Shimon Peres declared, “The investment of Israel bonds in Israel’s development has reaped huge dividends.”

 In celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – Israel Bonds leadership presented Minister of Culture and Sport Limor Livnat and Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israel’s consul general in New York, with a symbolic check representing more than $1.2 billion in 2012 worldwide sales. The total included over $816 million from the U.S., a 29 percent increase over the preceding year.

In presenting the check, Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi noted that “strengthening Israel’s economy and personal financial portfolios is powerful incentive to invest in Israel bonds,” and promised the Bonds organization “will do even better in 2013.”
 

 
Minister Limor Livnat (right) and Ambassador Ido Aharoni accept a symbolic check representing more than $1.2 billion in worldwide sales from Israel Bonds national board members Dr. Andrew Hutter, Shira Lewis and David Halpern, and Sharon Halpern (Photo: Maxine Dovere)

 

 

 
For additional information contact parade@israelbonds.com

In little more than six weeks, Ohio, Indiana, Arizona and South Carolina invested a total of $72 million in Israel bonds, highlighting the fact that Israel bonds are consistently viewed not only as an important means of supporting Israel, but also as significant additions to investment portfolios.

In March, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel completed the single largest Israel bond investment by a state, a $42 million purchase that increased the total amount of Israel bonds in the Ohio Treasury’s portfolio to over $80 million. Also in March, Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock announced a $10 million Israel bond investment, bringing that state’s Israel bond holdings to $40 million.

In April, Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey completed his state’s first Israel bond investment, a $5 million purchase, and South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis completed a $15 million investment, bringing the state’s Israel bond holdings to $35 million.

Over the years, more than 80 state and municipal governments have invested over $2 billion in Israel bonds.

The annual Prime Minister’s Club Dinner, held Sunday, January 27 in Boca Raton, Florida, officially launched the 2013 Israel Bonds investment campaign. Visit the Prime Minister’s Club Dinner photo gallery, and watch a video tribute to the Israel65 honorees.

In addressing the sellout crowd of 750, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz declared: “Israel bonds are an expression of friendship and commitment that is so important to the Israeli people.”

Master of ceremonies Howie Mandel commented on 2012 record sales exceeding $816 million, praising Israel Bonds as “one of the most successful organizations.” He added that an investment in Israel bonds represents “freedom, technology and the future.”

The evening culminated with the presentation of the Israel65 Award to 19 honorees from the U.S. and Canada. Steinitz, Mandel, Bonds Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch and President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi made the presentations. Over $230 million in Israel bond investments were announced at the event.

Master of ceremonies Howie Mandel entertains the record crowd
Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch (left) welcomes Finance Minister Steinitz
President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi with Howie Mandel
From left: Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch; President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi; Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz and Howie Mandel
National Chairman Fred Zeidman welcomes Howie Mandel to the stage
Finance Minister Steinitz and Howie Mandel exchange a fist bump
National board member Susan Weikers Balaban shares a laugh with Howie Mandel
Finance Minister Steinitz praises “the strength of the North American Jewish community’s connection to the State of Israel.”
With the assistance of Howie Mandel, Prime Minister’s Club Chairman Mike Lazar leads the audience in ha’motzi
National Campaign Cabinet Chairman Bobbie Goldstein begins the awards ceremony
Cantor Joseph Malovany of New York's 5th Avenue Synagogue and Israeli soloist Daniel Pruzansky perform at the gala event
Photos: ZimZoom Photography

The Israel Bonds National Leadership Conference was held January 24-25 as a prelude to the International Prime Minister’s Club Dinner. Following the opening discussion, Dangers and Opportunities in the Middle East, led by a panel of experts and academics, conference delegates heard from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Bob Woodward. In his remarks, Woodward declared, “A strong Israel is critical to U.S. positions.”

Day two featured a second Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Judith Miller, who received international recognition when she went to prison for 85 days rather than reveal confidential sources. In recognition of her resolute stand, she was honored with the First Amendment Award by the Society of Professional Journalists. In her presentation, Miller provided a detailed analysis of the evolving implications of the Arab Spring. The day also featured an economic panel discussion highlighting Israel’s ascendancy in the global economy.

Pictured l-r: Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch; Bob Woodward; President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi; Vice Chairman of the Board David Halpern; and National Chairman Fred Zeidman
The New Leadership contingent enjoys a moment with Bob Woodward, seen back row center
Judith Miller (left) with National Women’s Division Chair Helene Herbstman and Associate Chair Shira Lewis
Photos: ZimZoom Photography

Over $28 million in Israel bonds have been purchased via the e-commerce site launched in fall 2011. The convenient site enables investment in Israel bonds at any time and from any location. Nearly all Israel bonds currently offered by Development Corporation for Israel/ Israel Bonds are available for online purchase, providing the opportunity to acquire a dependable investment that supports Israel's economy. Individuals buying Israel bonds for gifts have the option of including a message and/or generating a gift card.

Purchasing Israel bonds online requires a one-time registration process which can be completed here. If you have a pre-existing Israel Bonds account, it can be linked to your online account by contacting Customer Service via email,  or by phone, 888.519.4111.

Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch hosted Pinchas Landau, international economic and financial analyst and author of the Jerusalem Post’s “Global Agenda” column, for a luncheon meeting on January 28.

In his presentation - “The Israeli Economy: Achievements, T rends, Challenges” - Landau attributed several factors to Israel’s economic resiliency. They included independent monetary policy, proactive structural reforms and an expanded labor force.

He added that Israel’s tech sector and the pending flow of natural gas from newly-discovered fields would keep Israel’s economy stable for years to come.

From left: Board member Susan Weikers Balaban; President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi; Pinchas Landau; and Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch
Photo: ZimZoom Photography

U.S. 2012 Israel bond sales set a new record, with total investments exceeding $816 million. The sales represented a 29 percent increase over 2011. Worldwide sales also rose, surpassing $1.2 billion.

Siggy Siag, Israel’s chief fiscal officer for the Western Hemisphere, congratulated Israel Bonds for “proving itself once again as a reliable source of funding” for Israel’s economy. She praised the organization’s “unique ability to raise capital, especially during times of crisis,” and highlighted three strategic advantages provided by Israel Bonds:

• Flexibility regarding debt management
• Playing a factor in the decision by credit rating agencies to award Israel’s long-term debt investment grade ratings
• Providing a strong, diverse investor base

Israel Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi added the Bonds organization would continue to “emphasize the message that Israel bonds are an investment in one of the world’s most resilient economies, while also preserving the emotional component that makes our offerings unique among investment choices.”

In an exclusive briefing to Israel Bonds leadership and staff, Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israel’s consul general in New York, declared, “Israelis need expressions of solidarity. Every call for divestment should be met with an investment. Israel bonds are the best platform for this.”

During the briefing, which took place November 20 at the height of Operation Pillar of Defense, Aharoni said over 12,000 rockets had been launched at Israel since it withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

Asking rhetorically, “What can you do?” Aharoni stated, “The Bonds organization, which I love dearly, can be a bridge between the two communities” of Israel and the Diaspora.

Since the inception of the Bonds program in 1951, investors in Israel bonds have demonstrated time and again their determination to stand with Israel in times of crisis. This was proven most recently during Operation Pillar of Defense, when Israel bond investments via traditional and online platforms rose exponentially during the conflict.

Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi noted, “For Israel to have the support of Israel Bonds - a secure and independent financial pipeline - is, without a doubt, an invaluable and strategic national resource, especially since Bonds clients have proven time and again that when Israel is in the midst of a crisis, they do not walk away.”

Israel Bonds was an active participant at the GA, the annual gathering of Jewish Federations, which was held in Baltimore November 10-13. Shown at the Israel Bonds booth are (seated) National Director of Synagogue Activities Rabbi Martin Pasternak; Registered Representative Hillary Lewis; and (standing) Baltimore Executive Director Alan Dorenfeld; President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi; and National Vice President for Sales Stuart Garawitz.  (Photo: David Karp)

Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has declared: “The relationship between the Finance Ministry and the Bonds organization represents the foundation upon which Israel’s economy was built.”

Today, investing in Israel bonds is an investment in one of the world’s most resilient economies. Israel’s economic performance has earned it investment grade ratings from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, although Israel bonds are not rated. Moody’s has cited the Bonds organization as a factor in its positive assessments.

The Israel Bonds organization is viewed as one of Israel’s most valued and strategic resources, with a record of proven success spanning more than six decades. Worldwide investments have exceeded $34 billion since the first bonds were issued in 1951.

The Maimonides medical delegation, visiting Israel November 11-15, paid a visit to Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petach Tikvah. The delegates arrived with teddy bears to distribute to sick children. The delegation was co-chaired by Dr. Burt Herbstman and Dr. Andy Hutter.

Delegates gather around a cart stacked with teddy bears in preparation for distribution to patients at Schneider Children’s Hospital.

	Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi (left) with financial analyst Pinchas Landau   (Photo: David Karp)

Israeli economic and financial analyst Pinchas Landau, author of the Jerusalem Post’s “Global Agenda” column, made a presentation in the Israel Bonds boardroom November 8.

The presentation, themed “The Israeli Economy: How it Survived the Global Economic Crisis,” explored the reasons for the resilience of Israel’s economic foundations.

In a Jerusalem Post column written in July, Landau praised Israel Bonds as an organization to be emulated, calling it an enterprise that other countries “would dearly love to have.”

On October 24, Israel Bonds joined with the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce in sponsoring “Israel Economy Day” at NASDAQ. Top banking and economic experts gathered to ring the opening bell and participate in seminars on the global economic crisis and its repercussions.

Israel Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi praised Israel’s economy as “strong, robust and a model to emulate” adding, “Without a doubt, Israel Bonds played an important part in making this possible, and it continues to be a vital, indispensable asset for Israel’s economy. “

Moshe Steinberg, chairman of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce (left) with Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi
Participants gather outside NASDAQ Marketsite at Times Square (Photos:  Zef Nikolla, NASDAQ)

Israel Bonds welcomed Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz and Minister for Public Affairs and the Diaspora Yuli Edelstein at a reception held Sunday, September 13 at New York’s Harmonie Club. Consul General Ido Aharoni and UN Ambassador Ron Prosor were also in attendance.

The finance minister, a steadfast advocate of Israel Bonds, noted that “The relationship between Israel Bonds and the Finance Ministry represents the foundation upon which Israel’s economy was built.”

In introducing the finance minister, Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi cited positive economic reports for Israel and said, “We are very proud that Israel Bonds has been an important cornerstone of Israel’s economic resiliency."
 
The reception was held in association with Israel's Finance Ministry and Ministry for Public Affairs and the Diaspora.

Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi (center) makes a point with Finance Minister Steinitz as Minister for Public Affairs and the Diaspora Yuli Edelstein looks on    (Photo: David Karp)

Erez Vigodman, consistently named one of Israel’s top 10 business executives, addressed a crowd of over 200 people on September 14 at 7 World Trade Center. Hosted by New York real estate giant Larry Silverstein, who owns the World Trade Center property and is overseeing the rebuilding of the complex, the evening offered an exclusive window into Israel’s business sector, which continues to generate global interest.

Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi observed that Israel, “which was given nothing in terms of natural resources, but everything in terms of human resources, has made an enormous difference throughout the world.”

Vigodman, whose company Makhteshim-Agan was recently acquired by China in a reverse merger, gave an insightful presentation on challenges and opportunities presented by current global economic trends, including the emergence of Third World economies.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli spoke and said he views Israel bonds as “a sound and secure investment that is a key part of the state’s fixed income portfolio.” New York has invested over $110 million in Israel bonds.

City Comptroller John Liu also attended, noting New York City has acquired over $47 million in Israel bonds.

Israel Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi, Larry Silverstein and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

Israeli business executive Erez Vigodman discusses the global economy (Photos: Maxine Dovere)

An op-ed by Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi was published in the August 28 edition of the Jerusalem Post. Under the heading, “Israel Bonds: A Strategic Asset for the Country,” Tapoohi articulated the fact that the Bonds organization is a “ vital, indispensable asset for Israel’s economy, particularly in light of continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and fiscal difficulties plaguing many euro zone countries.”

He emphasized, “For Israel to have the support of Israel Bonds – a dedicated, independent financial pipeline – is without a doubt an invaluable and strategic national resource, especially since only Bonds clients have proven time and again that when Israel is in the midst of a crisis, they do not walk away.”

The complete op-ed can be accessed here.

The eMitzvah Bond, the newest security offered by Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, is now available exclusively for online investment. Starting at just $36, with available $18 increments up to a $90 maximum, the eMitzvah Bond is a meaningful all-occasion gift. The five-year bond provides a fixed rate of interest payable upon maturity.

Invest in eMitzvah bonds here.

Israeli economic and financial analyst Pinchas Landau, author of the “Global Agenda” blog in the Jerusalem Post, assessed the strength of Israel’s economy, observing, “Israel also has a source of finance and a borrowing instrument that is unique to it – although quite a few countries would dearly love to have something similar. . . .This source is Diaspora Jewry, and the instrument which Israel uses to borrow from individuals around the world is Israel Bonds.”

Landau noted the Bonds organization’s success in consistently generating over $1 billion in annual worldwide investment, saying investors “appreciate the advantages offered by Israel Bonds, both security of ‘return of capital’ from a borrower (Israel) that has never missed a payment, and the attraction of ‘return on capital.’

He added: “In times of crisis, whether economic/financial or from a geo-political/security perspective, Israel Bonds could raise much larger sums.”

The complete article can be accessed here.

The National Women’s Division and Chicago Women’s Division sponsored the Midwest Regional Conference June 6-7 in Chicago. The opening night program was highlighted by the installation of Helene Herbstman as National Women’s Division chair and recognition of outgoing chair Sherrie Willner. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Judith Miller gave the keynote address. The event, attended by nearly 350 people, resulted in over $4.6 million invested in Israel bonds.

The second day of the conference, held at the Chicago Botanic Garden, featured a luncheon program with guest speaker Sally Oren, wife of Israel’s ambassador to the United States. A panel discussion, ‘A Front Row Seat: Business , Success and Living Jewish,’ was moderated by award-winning author Alix Strauss. Panelists were filmmaker and granddaughter of WWII partisan Tuvia Bielsk Sharon Rennert; CEO Ahava North America Elana Drell-Szyfer; and Managing Director JP Morgan Chicago Phyllis Tabachnick.

From left: Immediate past Women’s Division chair Sherrie Willner; Chicago General Campaign Chairman Dr. Burton Herbstman; Women’s Division Chair Helene Herbstman; Sally Oren; National Campaign Cabinet Chairman Bobbie Goldstein; Conference Co-Chair Judy Yablong Judlo; and Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi

Engaging the audience in discussion are (L-R): Sally Oren; filmmaker Sharon Rennert; AHAVA North America CEO Elana Drell-Szyfer ; and JP Morgan Chicago Managing Director Phyllis Tabachnick

Demonstrating pride in $34 billion in worldwide investments, including more than $10 million online as of early June, Israel Bonds leadership, supporters and staff marched in the Celebrate Israel Parade held June 3 in New York.
Watch the video

The Israel Bonds float on 5th Avenue

President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi has a message for FOX reporter Robert Moses

Celebrating Israel and Israel Bonds

 

 

From left: Board member Marty Goldstein, Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch, President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi and National Campaign Cabinet Chairman Bobbie Goldstein get ready to ride Photos: David Karp

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the 2012 Israel Bonds leadership delegation in his Jerusalem office, an exclusive meeting extensively reported in the Israeli media.
The briefing was an opportunity for the prime minister to express appreciation to Bonds and emphasize the organization’s significant efforts to keep Israel’s economy strong and resilient. 

From left: President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel Bonds International leader David Hatchwell of Madrid and Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch

It was also an occasion for him to welcome Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi, who served as a member of the prime minister’s ‘100 Days’ team following the 2009 elections and as an economic advisor during Netanyahu’s first term in 1996.

The April 16-27 delegation – led by Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch and comprised of over 100 Bonds leaders from three continents – was fittingly themed ‘From Tragedy to Triumph,’ a journey encompassing the tragedy of the Holocaust and triumph of modern Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu greets Bonds board member Marty Goldstein (left) Bonds delegates receive an exclusive briefing from the prime minister in Jerusalem

Following visits to sites of Jewish history and loss in Poland - including participation in the March of the Living - delegates arrived in Israel where, in addition to Prime Minister Netanyahu, they met with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya’alon, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz and Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon.

A special highlight was a visit to Google’s Tel Aviv headquarters, where Bonds leaders were welcomed by Meir Brand, managing director for Google’s operations in Israel, Greece and South Africa.

Delegates also celebrated Israel’s independence and commemorated formative events that helped shaped the destiny of the modern Jewish state.

During a private tour of Google’s Tel Aviv headquarters, New Leadership participants gather for a group photo with host Meir Brand, managing director for Israel, Greece and South Africa, and Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi Bonds at the March of the Living Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon is presented to the delegation by National Campaign Cabinet Chairman Bobbie Goldstein New Leadership displays Israel Bonds T-shirts President & CEO Tapoohi confers with Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon Shira Lewis with PM Netanyahu Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch (left) discusses the Bonds program with Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz Remembering Yitzhak Rabin Finance Minister Steinitz (left) greets President & CEO Tapoohi Israel Independence Day Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya’alon declares that ‘Israel is strong, prosperous and will prevail.’ Board member Dr. Andy Hutter with concentration camp liberator Touring by Segway Visiting Better Place Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut Photos: Flash 90 Gideon Markowicz