Israel Bonds News



Israel Bonds Selichot from the Kotel: An Extraordinary Global Experience

9/15/2020
 
Following a most historic day in which peace accords were signed by the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain with the State of Israel, over 1,200 Israel Bonds supporters and investors joined together over Zoom, Facebook Live, YouTube and the Jewish Broadcasting Service for Selichot from the Kotel: An Extraordinary Global Experience, which featured prominent speakers, unique performances, a special exploration of the Kotel, and blessings for the New Year from spiritual leaders from around the world.

National New Leadership Co-Chair Jason Langsner proudly introduced video greetings from Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who expressed his wishes to all for a healthy and happy New Year, emphasizing to listeners that they are not just friends of Israel, but are “partners in Israel, and understand that we all have a responsibility to each other.” He added, “I am excited to see where our cooperation will take us next year and in the future. Together with your support, we can be sure that Jerusalem and Israel will continue to go from strength to strength.”

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Also on the agenda was an exclusive archeological tour of Robinson’s Arch along the Western Wall, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority, leading viewers through the toughest part of the scaffolding of the Kotel. The durability of the materials and foundation, remain a symbol of the resilience of the Jewish people and are an integral part of Israel’s past, present, and future. Izzie Steckler, New Leadership chair of Montreal, introduced a video of Selichot from the Kotel, noting the remarkable expression of faith direct from the holy site.

Following the moving ceremony, Rabbinic Advisory Council Chair Rabbi Sam Klibanoff of Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston, New Jersey, and Canadian Rabbinic Council Chair Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, expressed their wishes to all for a healthy, happy and sweet 5781.

Next, in a Bonds exclusive, Dr. Yitzhak Ifat, one of the IDF paratroopers photographed at the newly-liberated Kotel on June 7, 1967, was the recipient of much gratitude and well wishes for the New Year by Bonds advocates from around the world, in which his daughter, Reut Ifat Uziel, spoke on her cherished memories with her father.

Shuli Natan then sang Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, Jerusalem of Gold, the song she made world-famous. After the powerful performance, National New Leadership Chicago Chair Teri Herbstman, also co-chair of National New Leadership, emphasized the importance of connection during this most special time of year, and a perfect example to demonstrate one’s connection to Israel being an investment in Israel bonds.

Following a video of rabbis around the globe expressing heartfelt wishes for a blessed New Year, Los Angeles Advisory Council member Scott Beiser discussed the dramatic White House signing of accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in which “modern history was made.” Scott introduced special guest Elad Strohmayer, Israeli Embassy spokesperson, to share his viewpoint as he witnessed in Washington D.C., the “dawn of a new era.”

Elad exclaimed, “Today was truly a historic day, yet we still have a long way to go. But we will not be deterred.”

Bonds President & CEO Israel Maimon, also onsite at the White House to experience the monumental achievement, shared his emotions on representing Israel Bonds lay leaders, investors and staff at the ceremony, exclaiming, “It is a new hope, it is a new time. We can anticipate more to come.” He added, “All of you, as Israel Bonds supporters, make Israel strong, and I want to thank you.”



Following Israel’s appreciation, the program concluded with a performance of “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” by renowned Israeli artists David D’Or and Gil Shohat.

The event was part of Israel Bonds’ ongoing virtual events for the upcoming High Holy Days, in which many investors and advocates have demonstrated their participation and support.