NEW YORK (Press Release) — In the month following Hamas’ October 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis, Israel Bonds raised $1 billion in investments under the leadership of the organization’s President and CEO Dani Naveh as well as Howard L. Goldstein, the national and international chair of its board of directors.
After being elected on Feb. 28 to succeed Goldstein, Andrew M. Hutter, M.D., vowed to continue Israel Bonds’ successful programs during Goldstein’s term — including the New Leadership and Double Mitzvah initiatives.
This leadership transition follows a year in which Israel Bonds surpassed $2.7 billion in worldwide investments — a record-breaking total in the organization’s 73-year history and more than doubling its sales goals. Following October 7, the historic groundswell of investments in Israel bonds included purchases from more than 15 U.S. state and municipal governments and institutions.
During his time as chairman, Goldstein, an accountant based in South Florida, placed the highest priority on recruiting and grooming the successors of the organization through the New Leadership program — an objective that Dr. Hutter plans to continue to prioritize and expand. Goldstein also helped initiate Israel Bonds’ launch of the unique Shalom Bond (also known as the Double Mitzvah program), which gives purchasers the ability to double their impact by donating the bond to their not-for-profit charity of choice.
Dr. Hutter co-founded Israel Bonds’ Mentorship Program, along with Goldstein. He has been instrumental in developing the organization’s next generation of leaders. In fact, his children have also taken active roles with Israel Bonds, with his son Jared and daughter-in-law Lindsey receiving the Israel Bonds’ New Leadership L’Dor V’Dor award in 2023. An orthopedic surgeon based in metro New Jersey, Dr. Hutter also co-founded the national Medical Division of Israel Bonds and has led many medical delegations to Israel on behalf of the organization.
“Dr. Hutter has played a central role in expanding the impact of Israel Bonds by spearheading creative initiatives and demonstrating his visionary leadership. We are excited to see what new frontiers are ahead for Israel Bonds during his time as chairman,” Naveh said. “At the same time, we have the utmost gratitude for Howard Goldstein, whose inspired leadership ensured that Israel Bonds rose up to meet challenges and seize opportunities at a series of defining moments — especially during the COVID global pandemic and the war this past year.”
Southern California programs
Since October 7, the Southern California-based Israel Bonds Western Region has organized an array of events aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Israel and raising awareness about the latest developments in the country during the war.
On February 20 in Los Angeles, the Western Region hosted a New Leadership bowling event with over 50 young professionals coming together in solidarity for Israel. The evening of community building and bonding generated more than $11,000 in indications of commitment for Israel Bonds and many new accounts were opened.
The guest speaker for the evening was Erez Goldman, Executive Director of the Israel Bonds Western Region. During his address, he spoke about the importance of investing in Israel through Israel bonds, stating, “Investing in Israel bonds is the most direct and impactful way you can support the Jewish state.”
On January 16, the Western Region hosted an event for its platinum society members that featured influential speakers in the diplomatic and financial arenas.
Amit Mekel — the Los Angeles-based Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest and the first non-Jewish Israeli diplomat in this region — shared that “I feel an even deeper calling to openly share my personal journey at every event since the war’s onset.”
“Originating from a Druze village in Israel, my father and brother proudly served our nation in the IDF despite our non-Jewish identity,” Mekel said. “Following the events of October 7th, it is imperative that we embrace both Israeli and international communities seeking unity with us. Acknowledging the enduring challenges post-war, we extend an invitation to establish connections that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.”
Connecting the Diaspora to Israel and its people
Under the leadership of Dr. Hutter, the new board chairman, Israel Bonds’ Medical Division has offered a significant opportunity for medical professionals to engage with like-minded peers on behalf of Israel, through meaningful forums for networking, sharing ideas, and hearing from a diverse array of speakers. The centerpiece of the Medical Division is its biennial mission to Israel, where participants get a firsthand look at the country’s cutting-edge advances in science and medicine.
“Israel Bonds is the most powerful and significant way to connect the Diaspora to the State of Israel and its people,” Dr. Hutter said. “Especially at a time like the present, anything positive we can communicate about Israel, and any step we can take to create connections to Israel, is essential. These ways in which we stand for Israel are equally as important as the financial support that Israel Bonds secures for the building and development of Israel’s economy. I am honored and humbled to take up the mantle from Howard in leading this crucial mission.”
Goldstein, the outgoing chairman, stated, “It is my personal honor to wish Dr. Hutter a heartfelt mazel tov on his election as Chairman of the Board, and most importantly I am gratified and confident that our Board will be in such capable hands moving forward. Dr. Hutter’s leadership, which will prove indispensable at this time when Israel Bonds works toward continuing to strengthen the Jewish state, is undoubtedly more important than ever. As I look back at my tenure as Chairman of the Board, I am filled with pride on accomplishing our most important mission: showing the world that we stand strong with our brothers and sisters in Israel.”
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Preceding provided by Israel Bonds