CLEVELAND (July 27, 2023) — Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan as well as Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds President and CEO Dani Naveh emphasized the importance of Jewish unity and unconditional support for Israel after speaking at Green Road Synagogue on Tuesday night in Israel Bonds Cleveland’s “Defending Israel in the Global Arena” event.
“If there is one lesson that we must learn from the calamities of our past as we commemorate Tisha B’Av, it is that when the Jewish people are divided, our enemies grow stronger,” Erdan said, referring to Thursday’s commemoration of the destruction of the Jewish Temples in Jerusalem. “But when we are united, we can move mountains.”
The ambassador also praised the local Jewish community.
“Cleveland’s Jewish community is inspiring for its love of our heritage and its passionate Zionism,” said Erdan. “The State of Israel is deeply grateful for the crucial support and dear friendship of our brothers and sisters in Cleveland. We are united as one people with a shared destiny.”
Naveh said, “It was an honor and privilege to speak in Cleveland, to get better acquainted with the vibrant Jewish community there, and to share with members of that community the crucial role Israel Bonds plays in not only growing financial support for the building and development of Israel’s economy, but also in cultivating personal connections to Israel in the Diaspora.”
He added, “Unconditional support for the State of Israel and its people is essential at all times, and especially now during times of disagreement. Israel Bonds embraces this mindset by cultivating unity through diversity, as our investors run the gamut of backgrounds, from observant to secular, to people of all political opinions and nationalities, who come together with the singular focus of fostering investments in support of Israel and its people.”
Steven Greenberg, General Chair of Israel Bonds Cleveland, called Ambassador Erdan’s visit “an honor for the Cleveland Jewish community that sends a message on our value as a partner in support of the State of Israel.”
“The ambassador’s message to us was inspirational and conveyed the importance of unity in support of Israel,” Greenberg stated. “We in Cleveland enjoy a broad base of support for Israel Bonds, our general community, our sponsor banks, and county and state government.”
He added, “In these times of political turbulence, we show our non-partisan love and support for the State of Israel through the purchase of bonds.”
Barbara Somogyi, National Vice Chair of the Women’s Division of Israel Bonds and a member of its National Campaign Advisory Council, said that having Ambassador Erdan address Cleveland’s Jewish community was “very impactful.”
“Ambassador Erdan’s visit reaffirms to our local Israel Bonds investors that the work we do and the money we invest is appreciated by the State of Israel,” Somogyi said.
Somogyi reflected on her own experience with the Israel Bonds organization, saying she “instantly felt that I had become part of a family” when she became involved.
“I love that I am able to do my share in support of Israel,” she said. “The most meaningful aspect of my involvement lies in the friendships I have built with so many committed, passionate, and like-minded people. The welfare of Israel is always our main focus.”
For 72 years, Israel Bonds has generated $48 billion worldwide, across all Bonds entities, in financial support for the building and development of every sector of Israel’s economy. Israel bonds have strong rates and are meaningful investments, serving as a symbolic connection with Israel and the people of Israel around the world.
“Israel bonds offer strong rates and strengthen every aspect of Israel’s economy, and are available for portfolios, retirement plans, as gifts to family and friends, and as donations to charitable organizations,” said Thomas Lockshin, Israel Bonds Executive Director for Ohio and Kentucky. “Israel bonds start at $36 and are available for purchase online at israelbonds.com.”
