Israel Bonds honored South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham with the Shimon Peres Leadership Award, at the 2017 Community Reception held in Columbia, SC on May 7.
In his remarks, Senator Graham noted that in 1948, the United States recognized Israel's independence within 11 minutes because it realized the importance of the reborn Jewish nation . He added that investing in Israel is in the best interests of the United States.
Israel Bonds President & CEO Israel Maimon called Graham "an excellent example of the strong ties between the U.S. and Israel," adding, "If there is an issue regarding Israel and its security, or any development affecting the well-being of the nation, it’s more than likely you will see Senator Graham advocating for the Jewish state."
Following his remarks, Maimon read a letter from Prime Minister Netanyahu, in which the Israeli leader congratulated Senator Graham and praised the Israel Bonds program.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and first lady Peggy McMaster were among the 200 in attendance .
The event resulted in over $600,000 in Israel bond investments and indications of interest.
Senator Graham is presented with the Shimon Peres Leadership Award
by community leader and event co-chair Bill Stern
From left: Richard Sturm, Ameris Bank regional president;John Baker,
Israel Bonds national campaign advisory council member; Ruth Myrick,
Ameris Bank;Larry Needle, Israel Bonds Columbia chairman
From left: Senator Lindsey Graham; South Carolina Governor Henry
McMaster;Israel Bonds President and CEO Israel Maimon; and Israel Bonds
Vice President for Sales Stuart Garawitz