Investing in gold bars and coins is now considered the holy grail for investors-whether national, institutional, or private. The stability and security it provides, as a tangible asset that does not rely on the banking system, along with its remarkable returns of about 53% over the past five years, make it a confident choice. Goldman Sachs, which earlier this year predicted that gold prices would exceed $4,000 per ounce in 2026, revised its forecast, estimating prices will reach $4,900 by the end of next year, leading investors to respond with increasing confidence and enthusiasm.
According to a report released earlier this month by the World Gold Council, private investors in the West have increased their investments in physical gold in recent years, mainly because it is a tangible and stable asset not dependent on the banking system, easy to liquidate, and-most importantly-it has shown phenomenal returns of around 53% over the past five years.
Despite the traditional Jewish and Israeli attitudes toward gold ownership, private gold investment remains relatively rare in Israel. IGOLD, founded in 2012 by partners Joshua Feldman, an Oleh from South Africa, and Aryeh Bar-Eitan, the son of American Olim, is the only company in Israel that enables investment in physical gold. Since its establishment, the company has managed over $200 million in assets for thousands of investors in Israel and abroad. It allows them to benefit from gold's impressive returns, achieve optimal portfolio risk diversification, and liquidate their investments at any time. IGOLD’s teams serve clients both in Israel and internationally, offering the advantage of VAT savings when purchasing gold. This is made possible by buying and storing holdings in IGOLD’s secure vaults in Eilat, a designated free-trade zone exempt from value-added tax (VAT). IGOLD's vaults are.
A Haven for Investors
Aryeh Bar-Eitan, co-founder and CEO of IGOLD, stated that the growing interest in immigrating to Israel has become a key factor in the company's expansion: "In recent years, we have seen a steady increase in demand for gold investment among Jews worldwide and immigrants. Along with the impressive data gold shows, since 2023 and the rise of antisemitism sweeping the West, Jewish investors are looking for a Safe Haven for their investments in Israel. This allows them to enjoy the returns and stability of gold investment on one hand, and immediate access and liquidity in Israel on the other. This helps them adapt to changing circumstances."
Just last month, one of our clients from Switzerland came to us after his bank manager made antisemitic remarks during a visit. When we first met, he told me that although he has confidence in the Swiss banking system, this experience made him realize that he might need to find an alternative for investments in gold, and the sooner, the better".
Investing in Aliyah
According to Bar-Eitan, since the coronavirus pandemic and especially after the horrific events of October 7, 2023, many international clients have turned to the company after deciding to make Aliyah. "Future immigrants understand that, alongside personal, family, and community preparations, they must also get financially ready and adjust their investment plans."
Many of our customers worldwide say they see Israel’s financial system as complicated and bureaucratic. Therefore, investing in physical gold before making Aliyah helps them enjoy a safe, stable investment and allows them to cash out any time without dealing with an unfamiliar banking system in a new language.
Being a privately-owned company independent of the national monetary and financial system offers advantages to all immigrant target audiences; however, immigrants from the United States have a unique advantage: they do not need to declare their American citizenship and report it annually."
The Way to Israel is Paved with Gold
We asked Aryeh when and how IGOLD’s relationship with future Olim begins. He explained that many clients planning their Aliyah contact them close to their decision, sometimes even before choosing a destination. 'Inflation across all markets constantly reduces our money's value globally,' he said. 'In addition, the shekel's significant strengthening against major currencies affects them. Our clients want to hedge their investments and cash to preserve their capital and ensure liquidity whenever needed. Our Eilat branch helps by allowing them to save on VAT during purchases, maximizing their investment."
We are proud to serve as a crucial milestone for many families making Aliyah to Israel, doing everything possible to help them optimize their investment strategies, simplify processes, and, most importantly, provide complete security and peace of mind throughout their entire journey.
"We are available to our investors through several channels: the first is investing in gold remotely and transferring payment to an American account; the second is assisting with selling existing physical gold investments, buying gold in Israel, and placing it in custody with us. The third is purchasing gold bars or coins at our branches in Modi'in or Eilat."
IGOLD to Offer Gold Investment Integration with U.S. Pension Accounts
Bar-Eitan stresses that IGOLD’s legal and accounting teams are finalizing procedures to enable American citizens who hold gold in their pension savings through an individual retirement account (IRA) to register their holdings with IGOLD.
This allows our American citizenship investors to benefit from both physical gold investments and the advantages of saving through a private, independent Israeli company, along with the benefits they are entitled to as American citizens."
"Almost all management and ownership of IGOLD are Olim. We understand the need for a stable financial bedrock during the challenging Aliyah process and know firsthand the challenges they face.
Therefore, we take pride in offering them stability, security, and potential returns through physical gold investment and in being part of your journey to Israel," concludes Bar-Eitan.
This article was written in cooperation with IGOLD