AT THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE THAT CREATED ISRAEL BONDS (1950)
Prime Minster David Ben-Gurion spoke to American philanthropists, Jewish Community lay leaders/executives and Israeli government officials gathered in Jerusalem. With every Israel bond investment we bring Israel closer to attaining Ben-Gurion’s goals.
GLOBALLY RENOWNED INVESTOR WARREN BUFFETT partnered with Israel Bonds for 3 events in 2017-18 – 2 in Omaha and 1 in New York. The Buffett events generated a combined total of $290 million in Israel bonds investments and intentions to invest. When asked why he remains committed to Israel and the Bonds institution, Buffett stated, “I have nothing but good feelings about what I am doing. The United States and Israel will always be linked. It is a good thing for Israel that there is an America, and it is a good thing for America that there is an Israel.”
INVESTING IN ISRAEL BONDS IS NOT AN INVESTMENT IN PARTIES OR POLITICS, in ruling coalition or opposition. Every dollar of every investment – no matter the sum – is a dollar invested in strengthening the achievement of the dreamers, founders and builders of Israel to create a state, a life and a future for the Jewish people.
UNLIKE THE FIRST ISRAEL BONDS OFFERED ALMOST 70 YEARS AGO today’s Israel bonds are different – shorter maturities, different denominations, online or app investing and maturity checks are mailed automatically. Yet in some ways – some very important ways – the bonds have not changed containing the same values, passions and dreams as the first. When you gift an Israel bond for a simcha, or give an Israel bond instead of cash or check for dues, tributes or pledges, you declare your connection to our Jewish-Zionist values and commitment to strengthen and secure our people, our state and our future.
AN INVESTMENT IN ISRAEL BONDS IS AN ENDORSEMENT OF ISRAEL – a reborn Jewish nation that achieved independence against all odds and, over the course of 70+ years, has successfully overcome every agricultural, environmental, immigration, resource and security challenge. For 68 of Israel’s 71 years through 12 Prime Ministers, 20 Knessets and 34 governments, the proceeds from the sales of Israel bonds, now more than $43 billion dollars sold worldwide, have supported every aspect of Israel’s economy – not politics or parties or coalition power, but the land, the people, the dream and the future.
BDS ADVOCATES INFURIATED BY ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS PROMOTE boycotting Israeli products, companies and social institutions; also divesting from corporations anywhere in the world that do business with Israel. Every investment in Israel bonds is a…
• Rejection of BDS advocates claims, proposals and objectives.
• Declaration of support for Israel’s path, purpose and accomplishments.
LAWMAKERS PAY ATTENTION TO THE LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION in Jewish community campaigns on behalf of Israel – including the number of investors taking part each year in the Israel Bonds campaign. Strong and expanding participation in these campaigns helps to reinforce vigorous, robust, and enduring support for Israel by elected representatives and all levels of government. Send a strong message to lawmakers by participating in your synagogue’s Israel Bonds campaign.
ISRAEL BONDS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY 270,000 PEOPLE.
This wide dispersion of a portion of Israel’s sovereign debt is a positive factor that helps earn strong ratings for the State of Israel from credit analysts at the major credit agencies. Strong ratings make it possible for the Finance Ministry to acquire additional foreign capital at favorable rates to help Israel manage its economy. (Note: Israel bonds are not rated.)
WE CANNOT EXPECT OUR CHILDREN TO BE MOTIVATED TO SUPPORT ISRAEL by the same longing and desperation for a state that compelled our parents and grandparents to invest in Israel bonds. We can however inspire them with the many levels of mitzvah embedded in every Israel bond and energize them with the value and convenience of Israel bonds for gift-giving and/or savings.
• MITZVAH: Support and secure the State of Israel
• ZIONISM: Share the dreams of the Founders and Builders who restored our Homeland
• INCOME: Israel bonds earn interest until maturity
• CONVENIENCE: Israel bonds are available for purchase online or via app 24/7
• TRADITION: Learn, embrace and transmit love/support of Israel from one generation to the next
Talking Points Continued
______________________________________________________________________________________