ANALYSIS
A number of weeks in the past, as I used to be in New York, Facetiming with my three youngsters in Israel – our household routine each time sirens go off alerting individuals to hurry to close by bomb shelters – our worst concern got here true. An Iranian missile struck our household dwelling. By means of the telephone, my spouse and I heard an explosion too loud to be within the distance. Our kids, although shaken, survived, however as they left the shelter, they witnessed our home and yard engulfed in flames.
It’s throughout these difficult instances that I’m reminded that true friendship will not be merely spoken, it’s demonstrated. Quickly after I made my approach to Israel to be with my youngsters, I obtained significant messages from my buddies at CBN – telephone calls and emails of assist. My household’s dwelling was in ashes, however our spirits have been intact.
The bond between Christians and Jews, cast by way of non secular kinship, is extra very important at this time than ever earlier than. Israel is going through a battle on a number of fronts, however in our darkest hours following the horrific day of October 7, we’ve got additionally seen the brightest lights—lots of them coming from our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the US.
Because the President and CEO of Growth Company for Israel/Israel Bonds, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand this outpouring of assist not solely in phrases and prayers, however in significant motion. Because the assaults of October 7, people and establishments have invested over $5 billion globally in Israel by way of Israel bonds. And a rising share of those investments has come from Christian supporters who perceive that supporting Israel economically is among the most concrete methods to face with the Jewish individuals, and safe Israel’s future.
On Might 10, 1951, in New York’s Madison Sq. Backyard, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion launched this extraordinary initiative with a easy however highly effective thought: permit buddies of Israel, wherever they could reside, to spend money on her future. Seventy-four years later, Israel Bonds continues to supply that very same alternative—not simply to spend money on a bond, however to spend money on a nation, a individuals, and a promise. Since that historic day, Israel Bonds has generated over $54 billion in gross sales from world wide.
For a lot of Christians, this dedication to Israel stems from deeply held beliefs. As Psalm 122:6 instructions, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘Might those that love you be safe.'” However prayer should be accompanied by motion. Within the Guide of Ruth, we discover a shifting declaration of loyalty from Ruth, a non-Jewish Moabite girl, just lately widowed, to her mother-in-law Naomi: “The place you go, I’ll go, and the place you keep, I’ll keep. Your individuals shall be my individuals and your God my God.” That enduring message of solidarity has echoed throughout generations and religion traditions. As we speak, it resonates as soon as once more.
I write not solely because the chief of a monetary establishment but additionally as somebody who has lived by way of many years of Israeli historical past. I served in authorities as an Israeli cupboard minister throughout years when peace felt inside attain and through instances when warfare knocked on each door.
In current months, I’ve traveled throughout the US, assembly with Christian pastors, lay leaders, enterprise executives, and households. Many have requested me: What can we do for Israel proper now? My reply is at all times the identical—proceed to wish, proceed to talk fact, and when you find yourself in a position, spend money on Israel’s future. Shopping for an Israel bond will not be solely a sensible monetary choice—it’s a deeply non secular one. It’s a tangible declaration that you just stand with Israel not solely in phrases, however in deeds.
Israel Bonds will not be a charitable contribution. It’s a sensible monetary funding, backed by the complete religion and credit score of the State of Israel. However greater than that, it’s a ethical funding—one that permits people to face on the facet of life, democracy, and shared values. As talks of ceasefires and peace unfold, the combat for Israel’s future continues, supported by communities world wide.
Allow us to stroll this path collectively, in covenant and in braveness. Be a part of us. Spend money on Israel. Not for politics. Not for headlines. However for hope, for peace, and for a future rooted in shared religion.
As Psalm 133:1 says: “Behold, how good and the way nice it’s for brothers to dwell collectively in unity.” Might our unity be not solely in spirit, however in motion.
Dani Naveh is President and CEO of the Growth Company for Israel/Israel Bonds. Since 2021, Mr. Naveh has steered the group to record-breaking gross sales. Beneath Mr. Naveh’s management, Israel Bonds has introduced in unprecedented assist, elevating over $5 billion in investments since October 7, 2023. Mr. Naveh beforehand served in varied governmental roles together with as Israel’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Well being and Cupboard Secretary. After his tenure in authorities, Mr. Naveh transitioned to the enterprise sector, main main monetary teams like Clal Insurance coverage and founding ventures in medtech, insurtech, and fintech.