Dani Naveh is the Global President and CEO of Israel Bonds and a former Israeli cabinet minister. Since his appointment in December 2021, Naveh, together with Israel Bonds National and International Chairman of the Board Andrew M. Hutter, M.D., has led the organization to record-breaking sales, significantly enhancing its role in Israel’s financial ecosystem and strengthening bonds between Israel, Jewish communities, and financial institutions across the United States and around the globe.
Israel Bonds was founded at a time when the State of Israel was fighting for survival. How do you see the organization's mission today compared to the one conceived by Henry Morgenthau Jr. in 1950?
When Israel Bonds was founded in 1951, the newborn State of Israel had a fragile and uncertain economy. The country’s GDP was only about $2 billion, and its population was under 1 million. Investing in Israel Bonds at the time would have been considered a bold act of faith. There was no guarantee that the young state would be able to repay its debt or deliver returns to investors based on its promises. Yet despite the uncertainty, supporters responded with extraordinary confidence: while David Ben-Gurion had initially hoped for $25 million in first-year sales, the Jewish world delivered $52 million.
Today, when people invest in Israel Bonds, they are investing in one of the world’s most resilient economies. Beyond the financial opportunity, they become essential to Israel’s continued growth and strength, helping support an economy that has demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation, and stability even in challenging times.
Ben-Gurion described purchasing Israel bonds at that time as “an absolute obligation of American Jewry.” How has the meaning of that obligation evolved across the generations?
Looking back over the past 75 years, American Jewry has stood alongside Israel through every chapter of its story — in times of hope for peace and in times of crisis, when the economy was fragile and when it was thriving. Through investments in Israel Bonds, generations of supporters demonstrated not only confidence in Israel’s economy but also a deep sense of shared destiny and responsibility.
When David Ben-Gurion launched Israel Bonds in 1951, he was asking whether world Jewry — particularly the American Jewish community — would rally behind the newborn state at a moment of enormous uncertainty. Over the decades, the answer has been clear time and again. From Israel’s earliest struggles to moments of profound challenge, including the aftermath of October 7, Jewish communities around the world have consistently stepped forward in support of Israel.
That enduring commitment has never wavered. Whenever Israel has faced defining moments, supporters around the world have come through, reaffirming the powerful bond between Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
Israel and the Jewish world were not prepared for October 7. What was happening internally at Israel Bonds in those first hours and days after the attacks?
While the terrible atrocities were still taking place on October 7, Israel Bonds had already initiated a special campaign of support for Israel on that day of Simchat Torah. We understood at that time that Israel would need us more than ever. I’m proud to say that we raised $1 billion in 30 days. Over the past two and a half years, we have raised a record-breaking $7.7 billion for Israel. These funds have been an essential lifeline for Israel at this critical time.
What do those numbers say about the relationship between Israel and its supporters today?
These results show that people understand that the best, most direct, and most impactful way to support Israel is through an investment in Israel Bonds. When investors are asked why they invest in Israel Bonds during difficult times, many say that when they buy Israel bonds, they are not only purchasing a financial instrument – they are building a bond with Israel. While Israel Bonds are indeed an investment that provides steady returns rather than a charitable donation, financial gain is rarely the sole motivation.
Especially during periods of crisis, such as the months following October 7, investing in Israel Bonds has become a powerful expression of solidarity and connection. For many people, it is a way to stand with Israel, support its economy, and take part in the country’s resilience and future.
The support from US states and municipalities after October 7 was striking. Why do you think so many public entities chose to invest in Israel Bonds during this period?
Over the past two and a half years, roughly half of all Israel Bonds purchases have come from local governments, states, counties, and municipalities, which have fiduciary responsibilities to their constituents. These institutions invest in Israel Bonds because they recognize them as a stable, reliable investment that delivers strong returns.
At the same time, over the past two and a half years, their investment in Israel Bonds reflects a statement of their support for the State of Israel, widely regarded as the United States’ closest ally in the Middle East. Many of these officials and institutions understand that supporting Israel also strengthens the strategic partnership between Israel and the United States.
Since October 7, many U.S. officials responsible for these investment decisions have faced intense pressure from unprecedented BDS campaigns seeking to push local governments and public institutions to divest from Israel. Yet in the overwhelming majority of cases, those efforts have failed. These officials and institutions have continued to stand firmly behind their investments and their support for Israel.
Israel Bonds is celebrating its 75th anniversary. What do you hope the organization will look like in another 25 years for its 100th anniversary?
When Israel Bonds celebrates its 100th anniversary, it will still be playing a vital role in the building of our homeland. It is my hope and expectation that in another twenty-five years, Israel Bonds will have surpassed $100 billion in investments. I expect that the organization will continue to make an important impact on Israel for the next generation as well.
If David Ben-Gurion could see Israel Bonds today — billions raised, global participation, support during wars and crises — what do you think would surprise him most?
If David Ben-Gurion were alive today to witness what has been achieved over the past 75 years, he would likely be deeply impressed by how many people chose to take part in building the State of Israel and helping transform it into the “Start-Up Nation” and one of the world’s strongest and most innovative economies.
What began in 1951 with the modest hope of raising $25 million through Israel Bonds has since grown into more than $57 billion raised for Israel’s development and growth. It is a remarkable testament to the enduring faith and partnership of those who believed in Israel’s future from the very beginning.
In fact, while we don’t have a time machine to revisit the extraordinary changes of the past seven decades, we do have the next best thing: AI. I encourage you to watch our latest corporate video to learn more about our history and really dive in.
This article was written in cooperation with Israel Bonds.
Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds (“DCI”) is a broker-dealer that sells Israel bonds. The content in this article was prepared by DCI and the Jerusalem Report as part of a paid advertising campaign for DCI. This is not an offering which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel Bonds. Member FINRA. www.israelbonds.com