A Time of Pride and Spirituality

The High Holy Days are a time for introspection, as our thoughts appropriately turn to Israel, the land of Jewish heritage and traditions.

While it is natural to contemplate an emotional connection to Eretz Yisrael spanning thousands of years, it is also fitting to consider the position of today’s Israel in the world, not only as the Jewish homeland, but also as a global frontrunner in so many fields of human endeavor.

Consider these reasons for pride:

• Following the War of Independence, Israel’s economic situation was so dire, the government established a Ministry of Rationing and Supply. Today, Israel’s economy is so strong and that in August, Standard & Poor’s upgraded Israel’s rating to AA-, its highest ever.
• As part of the commemorations marking Israel’s 70^th anniversary, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange conducted an estimate of the valuation Israel would be accorded if it were floated on the TASE. The answer: nearly $4.7 trillion.
• Bloomberg News listed Israel as the 10^th most innovative nation, and US News and World Report named Israel the 8^th most powerful nation in the world in their respective 2018 rankings.
• And seemingly every day, Israel continues to solidify its stature as an innovative, groundbreaking leader in outside-the-box technology.

Thus, while the High Holy Days are first and foremost a time for spirituality, they are also a time to reflect on modern Israel and the connection with the Jewish State that grows ever-stronger through investments in Israel bonds.

The resilient link established through Israel Bonds goes in both directions, from us to Israel and Israel to the Diaspora. During an August 23 visit to Israel Bonds corporate headquarters in New York, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon stated, “We need Israel Bonds,” emphasizing that the Bonds enterprise represents “Israel’s connection to the Jewish people and the global economy.”

As we begin the year 5779, let us re-commit ourselves to the promise of the modern Jewish State through the purchase of Israel bonds. The late President Shimon Peres once observed that he looked forward to “the significant role that Israel bonds (will) play in the future of the State of Israel.”

Together, we can perpetuate the legacy of the visionary Peres by helping the State of Israel realize all its vast promise and potential.

Thank you for your support, and may the New Year be one of special blessings for you, your family and for Israel.