“To have three generations here is extremely meaningful,” said Steven Cohen,
whose son Micah Cohen is Israel Bonds’ national director for new leadership.

(Courtesy of Israel Bonds) A father-and-son tandem from New York and New Jersey, who are longstanding advocates for Israel and the Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, were among Israel Bonds’ 2023 International Leadership Conference Honorees at the organization’s recent convening in Washington, D.C.

Jerry L. Cohen of New York City and his son Steven B. Cohen of Essex Fells, New Jersey, were among 11 honorees who were recognized at a special dinner hosted by Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog at the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

Jerry is a past Israel Bonds Real Estate & Allied Industries Division honoree, and longstanding New York Real Estate division member for both Israel Bonds and the UJA. He has been associated with Tishman Speyer properties for over 20 years. Jerry is a partner of the New York Yankees and a past partner and president of the New Jersey Nets. He was chairman of the Circle Repertory Theater and is a member of the Manhattan Theater Club’s board council. Together with his wife, Adrianne, they have helped grow the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. They have been active investors in more than 50 theater shows on and off Broadway and in Miami.

With over 35 years of real estate experience as a broker, developer, and advisor, Steven serves as principal and managing partner of Makom Real Estate Services and as Israel Bonds’ vice chairman of the Real Estate Division. Cohen also devotes his time to several other charitable causes, serving on the Executive Board of the Real Estate Division of UJA-Federation of New York and the Board of Trustees of the Israel Cancer Research Fund.

“It means a great deal to me, as my love of Zionism came from my parents and my father is also being honored tonight,” Steven Cohen said. “And my wife and I have transmitted this love of Zionism to our four children who are here as well and are involved in several other Jewish causes. My son Micah actually works for Israel Bonds as well. To have three generations here is extremely meaningful.”

Additionally, Micah Cohen is Israel Bonds’ National Director for New Leadership.

Jerry and Steven joined other honorees from across the U.S. at Israel Bonds’ International Leadership Conference in Washington DC from March 12-14. Israel Bonds’ National and International Board and Council members came together to celebrate Israel’s upcoming 75th birthday.

Ambassador Herzog congratulated the honorees, saying, “Israel Bonds International Leadership Conference has a special meaning this year as we mark the 75th year of independence of the Jewish, democratic State of Israel. This year we also mark 75 years of the unique alliance between Israel and the United States of America, our closest ally. In its 75 years of existence, the State of Israel has been propelled to success by a variety of important supporters and organizations, and a key one is Israel Bonds. Perhaps it has become a cliché, but it’s true when they say, ‘it takes a village.’ Our village is made up [of these] honorees and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank each and every one of you.”

Israel Bonds’ National and International Chairman of the Board Howard L. Goldstein said, “As someone who’s been involved in Israel Bonds for over 40 years, it’s gratifying to honor these outstanding advocates for the Jewish state. Each one of them has an extraordinary passion for Israel and defines what it means to be an exemplary lay leader. Together, we’ve seen Israel achieve the impossible and we’re eager to see what other triumphs are in store for the next 75 years.”

Dani Naveh, president and CEO of Israel Bonds, added, “We are so proud of Jerry L. Cohen and Steven B. Cohen. They are role models of unconditional support for the State of Israel and its people. Our honorees play a decisive role in Israel Bonds campaigns with their support and their valuable introductions, which enable Israel’s rapid evolution into a global leader in pioneering cutting-edge technologies — all while making a financial investment on a personal level. This win-win proposition offered by Israel Bonds is poised to stand the test of time.”

For 72 years, Israel Bonds has focused on one mission: to generate financial support for the building and development of Israel’s economy. Its long-standing unwavering support for Israel’s strong democratic principles and its dynamic economy is the driving force behind the organization’s vision.

As such, with political protests sweeping Israel and abroad, Israel Bonds is working through periods of heightened passions and political rhetoric that’s leading to demonstrations and protests. As a U.S. based financial organization, Israel Bonds respects people’s rights to engage peacefully in the democratic process, both in the U.S. and in Israel. The organization continues to maintain that any attempt to politicize their work is unhelpful and misplaced. Israel Bonds does not endorse any political position of any politician, administration, or ideology. That is why it hopes people will recognize the importance of ensuring politics does not impact their good work.

To date, the organization has secured more than $48 billion in investments worldwide since its first bonds were first issued in 1951, with the proceeds playing an instrumental role in Israel’s transformation into a groundbreaking global innovator in various industries.