Bonds build on the legacy of Ben-Gurion
AS DAVID Ben-Gurion stood before a packed house at New York’s Madison Square Garden to launch the inaugural issue of Israel Bonds, not even the visionary prime minister could have foreseen the extraordinary success of the new venture.
In January, Israel Bonds surpassed $40 billion in worldwide sales since the first bonds were issued in 1951. The momentous accomplishment was the second milestone for the Bonds organisation in under three weeks — on December 31, American sales for 2016 ended with an all-time high of more than $1.127 billion.
Moshe Kahlon, Israel’s Finance Minister, praised the achievements, saying,: “Since its founding, Israel Bonds has been a cornerstone of Israel’s economy. Crossing the $40 billion mark exemplifies the organisation’s dedication to Israel and the way in which its message of economic support has resonated on a global scale. On behalf of the government of Israel, I wish to thank Israel Bonds and its worldwide client base for helping to build every sector of our economy.”
Rony Hizkiyahu, the Finance Ministry’s new accountant general, said: “Israel Bonds is an important element of Israel’s debtmanagement policy and has been mentioned as a credit strength by our rating agencies*. The organisation’s long-lasting contribution is yet another example of the decades-long economic partnership between the Diaspora community and Israel.”
Israel Maimon, Israel Bonds President and CEO, added: “The historic sales clearly show that throughout successive generations, the idea of demonstrating confidence in Israel through investing in Israel Bonds has touched a response chord with individuals from all walks of life.”
As 2017 draws to a close, it appears to be another record-breaking year for sales globally. Events such as the Prime Minister’s Club weekend in Miami, lunch and dinner with Warren Buffett and Larry Silverstein and delegations from the medical and women’s division to Israel have all worked to increase participation and networks within the organisation and have set up 2018 to be an exciting 70th anniversary year for Israel and 67th year for Israel Bonds.
Message of economic support has resonated globally’
*Israel bonds are not rated