Retail and institutional investments in Israel bonds for 2017 total approximately $800 million, putting us on track to achieve our U.S. goal of $1.1 billion. This does not mean, however, that reaching the goal is a certainty. We must continue to focus on two objectives in particular – expanding the number of individuals investing in Israel bonds, and increasing the ratio of retail sales vs. institutional sales. This is important both to strengthen the connection between Israel and the Jewish community and to build a broad base of support in the event of a national emergency.

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, in Washington for talks with Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and other officials, scheduled time to meet with leaders of the Washington Israel Bonds campaign. At a dinner in his honor held July 23 at a private home, the finance minister addressed several issues, beginning with Israel’s economy, calling it “very strong.” Kahlon also discussed three security challenges: Syria, Iranian support for terror and cyber warfare. He nonetheless assured us “Israel is strong and resilient,” adding, “We need your help, and know we can count on you to be there for us. Your help,” he emphasized, “is fundamental to us.” Kahlon later tweeted about the evening, saying, “Yesterday I met with leaders of Israel Bonds in Washington. I thanked them for their incredible and historic contribution to the State of Israel.” A few days later, Board Chairman Richard Hirsch, Vice Chairman Howard Goldstein and I met with the finance minister in New York. It was a true honor to welcome him.

“A deserved endorsement of a remarkable country” was the extraordinary validation given Israel Bonds by Warren Buffett, who, on June 15, participated in his second Israel Bonds event in less than a year. Buffett traveled to New York to address Israel bond investors from the United States, Brazil, Canada and Mexico, each of whom agreed to make a new Israel bond investment of between $1 million and $5 million to meet the famed ‘Oracle of Omaha.’ Buffett spoke at an intimate luncheon at the World Trade Center and a dinner at a private club in Manhattan. His appearances on behalf of Israel Bonds generated global media coverage, including an attention-grabbing headline in the Wall Street Journal proclaiming, “Buffett Sings the Praises of Israel Bonds.” (To read the Journal story, click the link here.) The two Warren Buffet events helped generate $210 million in Israel bond investments and indications to invest. Amazing!

Three days of highlights made the Los Angeles Leadership Conference – a celebration of 50 years of United Jerusalem – a memorable experience. Expanding our West Coast footprint, the conference was a diverse blend of topics, including an exclusive visit to the Getty Center; an insightful discussion at the Museum of Tolerance led by dean and founder Rabbi Marvin Hier; and a high-profile panel discussion on the latest trends in digital and social media. Starting on a high note with video messages from President Reuven Rivlin and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, conference speakers included Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles Sam Grundwerg; Rick Rosen, founding partner and head of television for global agency WME/IMG; Dr. James Cumo, president & CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust and Dr. Tim Potts, director of the J. Paul Getty Museum; Steven Spira president, Worldwide Business Affairs, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Israeli actress Moran Atias, who emceed the gala opening dinner. We also had an exclusive screening of a fascinating long-lost documentary, Ben-Gurion: Epilogue, at Warner Bros. Studios. 

Our latest initiative encourages new and existing clients to make donations to their university of choice by way of Israel bonds. With the tagline ‘Not Just a Donation – a Statement,’ the campaign highlights the added value of donating Israel bonds: providing support for the university; making an investment in Israel; and creating a bond between the university and Israel. This new initiative is being coordinated between National Sales, National Marketing & Communications and all regional offices. It is being complemented by extensive digital/social media campaigns. Learn about donating Israel bonds to universities here.

On June 19, following months of development, internal assessments and input from lay leaders and New Leadership, Israel Bonds launched a new, upgraded sales site. Version 2.0 is user-friendly, mobile-optimized and features intuitive navigation, making investing in Israel bonds online easier than ever. Online sales this year are rapidly approaching $30 million – a 44 percent increase over this point last year – and this important new resource promises to make online investing an ever-greater component of our campaign. Check it out by visiting the link here.

Invest in Your Traditions will be the theme of the 2017/5778 High Holy Days campaign, taking place via Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur appeals at synagogues throughout the country. A comprehensive digital and social media effort, to be launched immediately after Labor Day, will highlight the campaign.

The biennial International Women’s Division Delegation will visit Israel October 29-November 2. Participants will meet with Israeli women from all walks of life, including those serving in elite IDF units, educators and women making a true difference in Israel and beyond its borders.

As part of the successful expansion of New Leadership activities, we look forward to convening young Jewish professionals from the U.S, Canada and Europe in Austin, Texas December 8-10, for our first New Leadership retreat. The ‘Bonds Bootcamp’ will feature workshops, training, team-building and outdoor adventure activities.

The 2018 Prime Minister’s Club Dinner will be a double celebration. That night, we will launch the new national sales campaign and officially kickoff our commemoration of Israel’s 70th anniversary. The gala annual event will take place January/February in Miami, Florida. Stay tuned – plans for this special evening are currently being developed and will be announced shortly.

The 30th Rabbinic Delegation to Israel, comprised of rabbis from all denominations, is scheduled for February 19-22, 2018. The program will include briefings, site visits and community service projects.

From Declaration to Start-Up Nation is the theme of the Israel Bonds International Delegation to Israel April 16-22, 2018, in celebration of Israel’s 70th anniversary. Our delegation will be comprised of participants from throughout North America, Latin America and Europe, and will open with a festive dinner along the Sea of Galilee and culminate with an unforgettable commemoration of Yom Ha’atzmaut – Independence Day – in Tel Aviv.