New York Real Estate Community Generates More Than $58 Million in Israel Bond Investments

NEW YORK — Weeks after New York City announced it would not invest in Israel bonds, and as New Yorkers headed to the polls on Election Day, the annual Israel Bonds Real Estate & Allied Division Luncheon, the organization’s largest event in New York, secured more than $58 million in Israel Bond purchases and indications of interest for the State of Israel.

The turnout and investments in the room showed that support for Israel in New York remains broad, deep, and enduring.

Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York, the event’s keynote speaker, stated: “The most effective answer to economic isolation is economic engagement. The most effective answer to divestment is investment.”

He added: “When we continue to invest in Israeli businesses, when companies put their capital behind Israel’s economy, and when countries, states, and cities invest their pensions in Israel Bonds, they send a powerful double message. First, a moral message. Secondly, the right economic message. This shows that Israel remains a place for economic growth, that our economy has a strong future, and that political pressure will not work. I’m asking you to send this message to your elected officials.”

“New York’s leaders in real estate know a sound investment when they see one,” said Dani Naveh, President & CEO of Israel Bonds. “When the city stepped back, this community stepped forward, and today’s results show that confidence in Israel’s economy runs deep in New York.”

Israel’s economy has remained resilient through three years of war, and the OECD forecasts 5.6% growth in 2027. Unemployment is about 3%, and inflation has fallen to around 1.6%. Since Oct. 7, 2023, more than 44 state and local governments led by officials of both parties, including New York State, have invested nearly $4 billion in Israel Bonds.

Israel Bonds honored Michael Werner, co-chair of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department. A leading commercial real estate attorney, Werner advises clients on high-profile transactions that have shaped major U.S. skylines. He also serves on the boards of Breaking Ground and Temple Israel.

“The connection to Israel just didn’t begin with any one generation, and it certainly won’t end with it,” said Werner. “My grandparents felt it, my parents inherited it, I found it in my own way, and I want my children and their children to feel it too. So let’s keep showing up, investing and supporting Israel so that our homeland can be cherished, protected and celebrated for generations to come.”

The event was led by Campaign Chairmen Gary Jacob of Glenwood Management and Laurent Morali of Kushner Companies, with the support of Michael R. Stoler of New York Real Estate TV, alongside Israel Bonds VP of National Sales Stuart Garawitz. The gathering drew more than 500 professionals from across the real estate industry, including developers, brokers, bankers, attorneys, and finance executives. Some attendees were first-time Israel Bonds investors.