2022 Events - Past Events

June 23, 2022
Abraham Accords - Ich war dabei!

On the 23rd of June 2022, Sebastian Hoffmann, representing the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany, visited from Berlin to share his vibrant account of the historic Israel Bonds delegation trip, “Footsteps of the Abraham Accords”, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Israel.

Michael Grauss, Executive Director of Israel Bonds International in Germany, as well as Hanita and Nava, warmly welcomed more than 32 young professionals from “Club Sababa” at Frankfurt am Main’s new restaurant “Trinitii Mosel” to hear Sebastian Hoffman speak.

For each destination (UAE, Bahrain, and Israel) many photos were shared, and a short video was screened, while Sebastian reflected on the many poignant moments he experienced. Emphasizing that without the support of Israel Bonds, he would not have had the opportunity to meet the many CEOs and Sheiks which made the delegation so impactful, nor to have made connections with the inspiring international network of delegates.

Sebastian also introduced Israel Bonds’ “Bonds Bootcamp New Leadership Retreat” taking place next month in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and encouraged people to participate.

The evening flourished with a colourful buffet of healthy bowls and wraps, glasses of wine, and interesting conversations and new friendships.

Israel Bonds thanks Sebastian Hoffmann for his fascinating presentation, as well as Sergei Spanier and Ilana Goldschmidt with Club Sababa for their cooperation.

 

the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany
the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany
the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany
the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany
the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany
the New Leadership Division of Israel Bonds International in Germany

Photo Credit: Nava Nadler

June 9, 2022
Spirituosen und Spiritualität

On the 9th of June 2022, Michael Grauss, Executive Director of Israel Bonds International in Germany, welcomed 31 guests of Israel Bonds Women’s Division and members of Treffpunkt to a wine and cheese evening featuring a lecture by Rabbi Shlomo Raskin on, “Wine and Spirituality”.

Rabbi Raskin distributed slips of paper with passages from the Torah and from Rashi to the audience. In discussing them, many interesting facts and ideas about what Jewish tradition teaches us about wine were learned:

  • In the Torah the word wine (Gefen) is mentioned 347 times.
  • Joseph gave wine to his brother so that they might speak.
  • Kiddush is recited over a cup of wine at all Jewish holidays, every Shabbat and for many rituals.
  • According to Halacha, a devout Jew must drink 230 glasses of wine a year.
  • Grapes are among the seven fruits of Israel.
  • The grapevine is the symbol of tourism in Israel.
  • Wine gives joy, blessing and helps to drive away sorrow, but can be detrimental if one overindulges.

After Rabbi Raskin mentioned his YouTube channel for additional information about wine and spirituality, Hanita Ajnwojner concluded the formal part of the evening with a few words about the importance of our relationship with the State of Israel, and thanked our Council Lay Leader, Liat Fleischmann, and Esther Petri-Adiel, Project Coordinator Treffpunkt Frankfurt for their support.

A buffet featuring kosher cheese and wines from Israel capped a delightful evening.

Israel Bonds INTL Wine-and-Cheese
Israel Bonds INTL Wine-and-Cheese
Israel Bonds INTL Wine-and-Cheese

May 12, 2022
Shira Eting

On the 12th of May 2022, Shira Eting joined Israel Bonds International in the United Kingdom Women’s Division together with World Zionist Organization UK to share her personal story from the IAF to Start Up Nation.

More than 30 people from North West London joined this inspiring, in-person gathering and shared their views in the interactive discussion about diversity and inclusion, women in the Israeli IDF, and how to overcome gender bias.

From a very early age, Shira had dreamed of becoming a pilot. In 2005, she joined the Flight Academy of the Israeli Air Force with 16 women and approximately 250 men. Three years later, Shira, along with 49 men, was the only woman to graduate. Shira served for eight years as a flight instructor, course commander, and a combat helicopter pilot. She is the 19th Israeli woman to ever graduate as an IAF pilot.

Orit Usharovsky from Israel Bonds discussed the importance of connecting with and supporting Israel through Israel Bonds and Dima Mevzos from World Zionist Organization UK outlined some of the important projects they run which promote Zionism through Israel education as a vital element of contemporary Jewish life.

The fascinating evening concluded with refreshments, desserts, and networking.

 

Photo Credit: Eric Sultan

April 25, 2022
Israel Bonds & the BICC

On the 25th of April 2022, I was honoured to be asked to speak at the British-Israel Chamber of Commerce’s first in-person BICC North West event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For someone who has spent a unique five years of my life living with my family in China (my kids were born there), this event provided an opportunity to share some of the knowledge and experience I acquired during my time both as Consul General in Shanghai and in the private sector.

I spoke mainly of the difference in business practices between Chinese and Westerners at large that I had encountered. I described the mindset that Chinese people display when getting into business with us, and also their genuine love for Israel and the Jewish people.

I have spent my working life in the service to Israel, first as head of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s media division, then as Consul General in Shanghai, and now as the Executive Director for Sales and Operations (Europe and Latin America) for the Israel Bonds Organisation. Seldom, have I witnessed the kind of high esteem in which the Chinese people hold the Jews and Israelis. There is a deep and genuine respect for our people. I look forward to coming up to Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds more often, and having the opportunity to work with organisations such as BICC NW, to talk about Israel and its relationship with the Diaspora.

—Arnon Perlman
Executive Director, International Sales & Operations (Europe & Latin America)

 

Israel Bonds INTL UK Event BICC

Joe Ozer; Joy Wolfe, Zionist Central Council Life-President; Arnon Perlman; Nigel Alliance OBE, BICC-NW President; Gideon Klaus, BICC-NW Executive Director; Russell Conn, Jewish Representative Council President

Photo Credit: Mike Poloway Photography courtesy of BICC-NW

Mar 10, 2022
Shlomo Corcos & Rav Didier Kassabi

On the 10th of March 2022, Israel Bonds, Yayin Kosher, and the Synagogue of Boulogne
organized an evening of Wine Tasting with the exceptional Didier Kassabi, Rabbin de la Communauté de Boulogne-Billancourt.

Jonathan Touboul, Directeur des Opérations pour les Pays Francophones of Israel Bonds International in France, announced Israel Bonds’ new online platform for investing and introduced the new eMazel Tov Bond, which starts at 36€.

Following, Rav Kassabi discussed the meaning of wine, going on to say that our relationship with wine is particularly special at Purim, as it allows us to refine our relationship to the spiritual as well as the more material elements of our lives.

Yoel Kassabi and Shlomo Corcos, wine expert in supervising the production of Kosher Bordeaux wines, introduced Bulgarian wines, a lesser-known winemaking region, as well as French wines. They offered a fascinating explanation of the behind-the-scenes of the greatest Châteaux of Bordeaux.

Regis Folbaum, Israel Bonds lay leader, spoke about the importance of Israel bonds for Israel, emphasizing the importance of passing on to young people, the connection, the bond, to Israel. He shared that the École Yabné (Yabné School) gave 60 Mazel Tov Bonds to 60 children on the occasion of the Messibat Sidour (the ceremony when young students are honoured with receiving their first, very own, Siddur)!

Two members of Women’s Division Israel Bonds International in France also attended the Wine Tasting and expressed that gifting, donating, and investing in Israel bonds is an extremely meaningful way to support the State of Israel.

More than 30 people attended and enjoyed the evening of sharing, laughter, tasting, and learning at the Synagogue of Boulogne.

Mar 09, 2022
International Women’s Day 2022

On a beautiful, sunny morning on Wednesday, the 9th of March 2022, Israel Bonds International in Mexico Women’s Division gathered in-person to celebrate International Women's Day. The event was generously hosted by Yemy Penhos de Sirazi, on her Mexico City rooftop garden.

The event was attended by the vast majority of the Women’s Division’s volunteers, who were delighted to be given an opportunity to see each other after such a long period of COVID-19 restrictions. The event was also attended by Israel Bonds senior professionals Saul Kisel, Chief Financial Officer (Intl) / Executive Director of Mexico; and David Bar-On, Senior Consultant, International Affairs for DCI (Services) Ltd. and DCI (International) Ltd.

The attendees excitedly updated one another with personal stories and life changes, and shared projects geared toward helping Israel. Warm conversations gave way to a delicious breakfast which was served with elegance.

Linda Sirazi, Chairperson of Women’s Division Mexico, thoughtfully prepared for each of the Women’s Division members, a personalized, embroidered pouch keepsake with “Thank you” chocolate bars.

The event began with a message from Laura Orzy, Chairperson of Women’s Division International, who joined virtually via Zoom video, to address the women with words of encouragement and appreciation for their unwavering commitment and hard work.

Linda thanked and congratulated the women for their support over the past two years, during which, despite the challenges of the pandemic, Women’s Division Mexico was able to continue collaborating on their projects and bring them to fruition. David Bar-On also thanked everyone for attending and shared his hope that travel to Israel for the delegations would happen very soon.

Israel Bonds Mexico Representative, Vicky Mamieh, prepared a PowerPoint presentation showing how to register for an Israel Bonds online account—for Israel Bonds’ new online platform for investing. She thoroughly explained, step-by-step, making sure that the process was seamless. Some of the attendees registered on the spot and completed the process, all in a matter of minutes.

Everyone was genuinely happy to have attended the event and their enthusiasm could be felt. The attendees expressed their gratitude for such an enjoyable International Women’s Day and extended warm thanks for the graciousness of their host, Yemy Penhos de Sirazi.

The day ended with cheers to all of the women on International Women’s Day and an excitement and palpable anticipation for many more, dearly missed, in-person meetings in the future.

Israel Bonds INTL Mexico Events
Israel Bonds INTL Mexico Events
Israel Bonds INTL Mexico Events
Israel Bonds INTL Mexico Events

Photo Credits: Vicky Mamieh & Alicia Braun

Mar 08, 2022
International Women’s Day 2022

On Tuesday, the 8th of March 2022, Israel Bonds International in the United Kingdom Women’s Division, together with UJIA Lion of Judah UK, hosted an in-person event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

More than 45 women attended a lovely evening of wine tasting and networking, gathering in North West London. After a hearty welcome, the wine specialist exquisitely explained the careful selection of grapes, the winemaking process, and the correct way to taste wine.

Lion of Judah discussed their important and valuable work in Israel. The attendees were also invited to contact the Israel Bonds London office to learn more about investing in Israel Bonds. The evening concluded with networking, desserts, and thanks to the attending guests.

Mar 08, 2022
International Women’s Day 2022

On the 8th of March 2022, twelve women and two employees from Israel Bonds International in Germany Women's Division met in the morning on the occasion of International Women's Day for a guided Museum Tour through the Jewish Museum Frankfurt am Main (Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt), the oldest municipal Jewish Museum in Germany.

Hanita Ajnwojner of Israel Bonds, and Germany Women’s Division Chairwoman Liat Fleischmann, together welcomed the guests. Each Women's Division Germany attendee of the Museum Tour purchased and donated an Israel bond. Collectively, they agreed to donate the bonds to the non-profit organization, Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO).

After a morning of beautiful art and fascinating art history, the attendees lunched at Nizza Restaurant, where
the women had an opportunity to better get to know one another. It was an afternoon of laughter, engaging
conversation, and networking. The day concluded with heartfelt thanks to the attending guests, who were
advised of Israel Bonds’ new online platform for investing, and a special acknowledgement to Germany Women’s
Division Chairwoman Liat Fleischmann for her commitment and support.


Photo Credit: Alexis Canem

Mar 06, 2022
Journée internatonale de la femme

On Sunday, the 6th of March 2022, to celebrate International Women's Day 2022, the Israel Bonds International in France Women’s Division, and its chairs, Isabelle and Catherine, organized an outing to the Comédie Bastille Theater, to discover with humor the evolution of women's status in France from the 1950s to present day, with the comedic play, "ET PENDANT CE TEMPS SIMONE VEILLE !". The attending women were very enthusiastic about gathering in honour of International Women’s Day and greatly enjoyed the comedy about the history of women’s rights.

Afterwards, they met to share a glass of friendship with dear friend Lisette, from the Paris office of Israel Bonds International. Among the participants, five women came especially from Lyon for this event, and four new ones joined the France Women’s Division. All of them chose to invest in an eMazal Tov Bond on the occasion of this International Women's Day. After a friendly exchange, co-chairs Isabelle and Catherine reminded the participants of the importance of their involvement in the Israel Bonds France Women’s Division and warmly thanked them.

 

Photo Credit: Jonathan Touboul

Feb 10, 2022
Shlomo Corcos & Rav Elie Lemmel

On the evening of 10 February 2022, Israel Bonds International in France, together with Yayin Kosher, organized a Wine Tasting with the exceptional Rabbi Elie Lemmel. What a night of reunion and sharing after COVID-19 restrictions made in-person gatherings a challenge—and with so many present!

Through drinking wine, we connect to one another, and to the wine itself, often feeling the love of the land and the search for unity and excellence. As Rabbi Lemmel so brilliantly demonstrated, our relationship with wine allows us to refine our relationship to the spiritual as well as the more material elements of our lives.

Yoel Kassabi and Shlomo Corcos led the attendees through a beautiful tasting, introducing wines rich in flavour and terroir, while explaining the behind-the-scenes winemaking of the greatest châteaux of Bordeaux.

Co-President of Israel Bonds International in France Women’s Division, Catherine Lacrosnière, but also a renowned Doctor of Nutrition, discussed the valuable anti-inflammatory virtues of wine.

“Drinking” the enlightening words of Rabbi Lemmel, while drinking the carefully curated lineup of wines, felt like an omen of good health to all.

The successful event concluded with thanks to the attending guests, who were advised of Israel Bonds’ new online platform for investing and an introduction to the eMazel Tov Bond, which starts at 36€.

And, as some Lay Leaders reminded during the closing remarks, citing numerous examples, receiving an Israel bond can totally change the course of a person’s life.

 

Photo Credit: depositphotos.com

Jan 25, 2022
Jeanette Marx (née Nachmansson)

On Tuesday, the 25th of January 2022, Jeanette Marx (née Nachmansson) joined Israel Bonds International in the United Kingdom and the World Zionist Organization UK to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Over 120 participants logged online to hear the deeply moving, heartbreaking yet inspiring, story of Jeanette’s mother, Mascha Nachmansson, Z"L. A Holocaust survivor from the Łódź ghetto in Poland, Mascha endured the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Ravensbrück concentration camps. Rescued just before the end of the war by the Swedish Red Cross, she was brought to Sweden, where Jeanette was born. 

Mascha Nachmansson, Z"L never missed an opportunity to tell people what happened, a profound dedication to Holocaust testimony. With the help of Generation 2 Generation, her daughter is now carrying on her legacy to make sure we remember…lest we forget.

 

Photo used with permission of speaker. Photo: Jeanette Marx