An important new role for Israel Bonds today
In 1951, David Ben Gurion faced many existential threats to the fledgling state of Israel. One of those was that the country’s young economy was unable to raise capital in the same way that other established countries were able to do. Without money, he wouldn’t be able to run the country or protect it from all the more obvious threats to its existence. He also knew that, as generous as the Diaspora had been with their charitable giving, there would not be enough money to sustain the young nation. To address this pressing issue, he had the foresight to launch the Israel Bonds programme.
Today, Israel Bonds has grown in stature while the State of Israel has similarly grown in importance. Global bond sales have topped over a billion dollars every year for several years, and this year are set to reach and surpass that milestone again. This, of course, is on top of what Israel accomplishes in the capital markets.
SO WHY DOES ISRAEL STILL NEED ISRAELI BONDS?
Unfortunately, Israel’s fight for existence has endured since the first 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The fight has mutated, and the battlefield has moved to both Israeli communities and to Diaspora social and mainstream media. Moreover, this ongoing existential battle has stoked antisemitism on both the far left and far right in some of its ugliest forms. Although the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement has not until now had a major impact on Israel’s diverse and thriving economy, it is getting louder daily. How does all this impact on the importance of current and continuing investment in Israel Bonds?
Simply and obviously put, the exact counter to the BDS movement is investment in Israel.
When one invests in a product or a company, one immediately becomes a brand ambassador for that entity. Israel recognises that the same is true when we buy Israel bonds for our own portfolios or as gifts for others. We become stakeholders in the Jewish State, we become word-of-mouth ambassadors and we have a tangible bond in the success of the country.
For Israel, the bonds programme is a significant strategic and reputational resource. And by purchasing Israel bonds, we can all play a role in this success.
NEW WAY TO BUY ISRAEL BONDS, STARTING AT £36
Most recently, Israel Bonds has launched its first eCommerce portal in the UK and Europe, giving people the facility to buy Israel bonds online. Israel bonds can now be purchased in amounts beginning at £36, $36 or €36, making them more accessible to all budgets — be it facilitating bar or batmitzvahs or other life-cycle celebrations, or as meaningful additions to a retirement portfolio.
There are many reasons for and new pathways to an Israel Bond investment. New purchasing platforms and new ways of buying Israel bonds will set the standard for ongoing innovations in the years to come. Israel Bonds is committed to providing the best possible customer experiences so that we can facilitate the all-important connection – the bond – between the people of Israel and our community.
It is of paramount importance that we continue the legacy and do our part to ensure our children and grandchildren will continue to have a strong bond with Israel that is both financial and emotional.
The exact counter to BDS is investment in Israel’
Joe Ozer is the executive director for the UK at The Development Company for Israel (International) Ltd/ Israel Bonds. For more information about Israel Bonds go to www. israelbondsintl.com and to open an account or buy bonds online, go to https://online.israelbondsintl.com. You can also call: 020 3936 2712