Israel Bonds’ new president/CEO, Israeli officials, U.S. and other investors honored Sharon and David Halpern and other Jewish leaders as they celebrated Israel Bonds’ milestones at annual International Prime Minister’s Club Dinner in Miami Beach.
New York—As Development Corporation for Israel (DCI)/Israel Bonds celebrates more than $40 billion in global sales since the program was launched in 1951, and a record-breaking $1.127 billion in U.S. sales in 2016 alone, Sharon and David Halpern of Livingston were honored this week with Israel Bonds’ Israel69 Award, presented in recognition of exceptional support for Israel and perpetuating Jewish heritage.
Israel Bonds’ milestone sales announcement comes just weeks after the rating agency Moody’s published a report noting Israel’s performance, pointing to the country’s economic, institutional and fiscal strength.
“Israel Bonds are both a financial instrument and a fraternal instrument, a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood with the Jewish state, for Jews and non-Jews alike,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message shared with supporters at Israel Bonds’ annual International Prime Minister’s Club Dinner at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach on February 12.
Sharon and David Halpern celebrated the significant role Judaism plays in their lives and how it has contributed to a legacy of supporting Israel Bonds.
Said Sharon Halpern of what Judaism has meant in her and her family’s life, “I think children learn through example. My parents were very involved in all Jewish causes, and as parents, David and I chose to send our children to day schools. Now our grandchildren go to yeshivas and day schools, and kiddush is very important in our house.”
David Halpern added, “As a family, we come together very often for Shabbat, and it’s a great way to continue a great tradition.”
In addition to Sharon and David Halpern, Israel Bonds recognized 14 other individuals or pairs of honorees from the United States, Canada and Mexico with its prestigious Israel69 Award. Celebrity emcee Jason Alexander headlined the Prime Minister’s Club Dinner. Also in attendance were Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon; Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles Sam Grundwerg; Consul General of Israel in Florida Lior Haiat, as well as representatives from the Israeli Finance Ministry; Director General Shai Babad; and Deputy Accountant General Yali Rothenberg.
Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon praised Israel Bonds’ achievements, remarking, “Since its founding, Israel Bonds has been a cornerstone of Israel’s economy. Crossing the $40 billion mark exemplifies the organization’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, accountant general of Israel’s Finance Ministry, said, “Israel Bonds is an important element of Israel’s debt management policy, and has been mentioned as a credit strength by our rating agencies. The organization’s long-lasting contribution is yet another example of the decades-long economic partnership between the diaspora community and Israel.”
Israel Maimon, who began his tenure as Israel Bonds’ new president and CEO this fall, commented, “Israel Bonds’ historic sales clearly show that throughout generations, the idea of demonstrating confidence in Israel through investing in Israel has touched a response chord with individuals from all walks of life.”
