The leadership and staff of Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds mourn the passing of Joan Holland, matriarch of the Chicago Israel Bonds campaign. Mrs. Holland was the first Women’s Division chair for Israel Bonds in Chicago, and paved the way for supporting Israel not only through investments in Israel bonds but throughout the Jewish community as a whole.



Mrs. Holland was a trailblazer, serving not only as the first Women’s Division chair for Israel Bonds in Chicago but also the first female chair of any Israel Bonds campaign in the country, and as a member of the national Women’s Division. During her many years of involvement, she worked tirelessly, sponsoring the Holland Dinner each year leading up to overseeing every aspect of the Women’s Division Ambassador’s Ball in Chicago that engaged hundreds of community members to support Israel through Israel bonds. Her son, Ed, tells the story of a trip to Israel when he joined his mother for an exclusive Israel Bonds meeting with Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, as if they were visiting a family friend. This was one of many times she represented Israel Bonds with Israeli leaders, having worked with Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Abba Eban and Israeli ambassadors. Her passion for Israel was contagious and inspired many. From the very beginning, Mrs. Holland worked to ensure Israel’s continued strength and resiliency.

She was actively involved in many Jewish and Israeli charities including Hadassah, ORT, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, FREE, the refugee organization, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Tennis Association and Friends of the IDF.
 
Mrs. Holland’s impact on the future of the Jewish state through her work with Israel Bonds will eternally be remembered, and her legacy of commitment and dedication will live on in the generations ahead. May her memory forever be a blessing.