May 31, 2002

A Trip to Israel with a Safe Return

"What does the greatest damage to Israel's morale at this critical time?" I asked this question to a number of Israelis, among them rabbis, a physician, taxi drivers, and some friends. They were unanimous in their reply, "Where are America's Jews? Our streets, our restaurants, and our hotels are empty. The Jews of America have abandoned us."

Thank God for the solidarity missions. Federations, congregations, and a host of Jewish organizations, including Birthright--a group offering a free trip to college students--are all making a heroic effort to fill the gap. I've pleaded with others to travel to Israel, and while some were convinced, most  are intimated by the news of terror. There is justification for the fear, but fear doesn't let anyone off the hook from doing something meaningful and uplifting for the spirit of the more than 5 million Jews who make Israel the great miracle in our time. Let me tell you what is being done.

Jews and others are investing in Israel's future. While some pseudo-intellectuals want to rethink the need for a Jewish state, others are protecting Israel's economy and infrastructure through the purchase of Israel Bonds. Israelis see these purchases as a vote of confidence, and prudent investors recognize their reward and safety.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Arafat scheme Israel's destruction, but most Palestinians recognize Israel's strength. A sound economy, our enemies know, will see Israel through the nightmare of the Intifada. Sadly, Israel's economy is hurting as a result of Arab terror. Israel Bonds, however, provide jobs, roads, and industrial development, while providing significant financial  returns for the investor. Non-Jewish trade unions, major pension funds, and corporations are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Israel Bonds.

The Development Corporation for Israel is a state-controlled body which sells these bonds, and in its long history, it has never defaulted. Yes, giving tzedakah to the UJC and to the many institutions throughout Israel is meaningful and important, but Israel Bonds are not charitable contributions. They occupy the highest position in the Rambam's eight steps of tzedakah: gemilut chesed--lending money. These loans make a powerful statement to  the people of Israel, while at the same time, providing the lender with substantial interest on his investment, greater than most similar investments. Israel needs this bond money now more than ever. Each bond purchased strengthens the cash flow within the country's financial institutions, stimulates the economy, and directly impacts the man and woman in the street.

Israel is blessed with many creative minds. Its biotechnology industry has already contributed widely to the prolongation of life everywhere. Israel's ethical drug industry is at the cutting edge of today's medical research. These achievements fly in the face of news reported by a hostile media, which has little good to say about the Jewish state.

If you were ever to need a cat-scan or an MRI, ask the technician where the equipment was made. You will often hear: "Israel." Life-supporting dialysis machines, pain-relieving electronic packs, chemotherapeutic agents, and a long list of products for tomorrow's world of medicine are made in Israel. Planes land everyday on the tarmacs of Israel's aeronautic industry. They  come from all over the world to be serviced and repaired by the most technologically advanced people and methods. From chemistry to biology, from agriscience to telecommunications, Israel is a pathfinder for humanity.

Wars do come to an end, and even hatred doesn't last forever. Investing in Israel's economic future has durability, and if you want to contribute to the well-being of a brave and wonderful people, let your money, at least, make the trip overseas with Israel Bonds. It will safely return.

Shabbat Shalom