Transcript [00:00] Tonight we recognize and honor a bond [00:03] that begun 75 years ago, strengthened by [00:07] the generations of commitment and [00:10] carried forward by all of us in this [00:13] room. This evening's honor carries [00:16] exceptional distinction since the medal [00:19] was established in 2012. It has been [00:23] presented to heads of state and over [00:26] figures of global statue but only two [00:28] recognations [00:30] organizations sorry both Israeli have [00:33] previously received it. Tonight that [00:37] rare recognition is being extended to [00:39] Israel bonds and American rec [00:42] recognitions with affiliate in Europe, [00:44] Canada and Central America whose [00:47] enduring commitment to Israel for more [00:49] than 75 years has helped strengthen the [00:54] Jewish state and deepen the bonds [00:56] between our people. We begin this [01:00] evening with Leonard's Coen Hallelujah, [01:02] a song about meaning, resilience, and [01:05] hope even through life's most [01:07] complicated moments. Performed by Leah [01:11] Gidor. [01:38] Well, I heard there was a secret chord [01:42] that David played and it pleased the [01:45] Lord. But you don't really care for [01:49] music, do you? [01:54] It goes like this. The fourth, the [01:57] fifth, the minor falls, the major lift, [02:01] the baff king composing. Hallelujah. [02:09] Hallelu. [02:13] Hallelu. [02:17] Hallelu. [02:20] Hallelujah. [02:32] Your faith was strong, but you needed [02:35] proof. You saw her bathing on the roof. [02:40] Her beauty in the moonlight [02:44] overthrew you. [02:48] She tied you to her kitchen chair. She [02:52] broke your throat and she cut your hair. [02:55] And from your lips she drew the [02:59] Hallelujah. [03:03] Hallelu. [03:07] Hallelu. [03:10] Hallelu. [03:14] Hallelu. [03:26] I did my best. It wasn't much I couldn't [03:31] feel. So I tried to touch. I told the [03:35] truth. I didn't mean to fool you. [03:41] And even though it all went wrong, I'll [03:45] stand before the Lord of songl. [03:53] Hallelujah. [03:56] Hallelu [04:03] Hallelujah. [04:07] Hallelujah. [04:19] Maybe there's a God above. But all I [04:23] ever learned from love was how to shoot [04:29] out. [04:33] And it's not a cry that you hear at [04:36] night. It's not [04:39] seen. [04:40] It's a [04:42] brokenlujah. [04:48] Hallelujah. [04:52] Hallelujah. [04:56] Hallelujah. [05:00] Hallelujah. [05:16] Hello everybody. So happy to see all of [05:18] you. [05:20] First, let me say before I start my [05:23] remarks that we gather under a heavy [05:26] shadow in these very moments of grave [05:28] and heartbreaking tragedy unfolding in [05:31] the north of our country. As you know, a [05:34] part of a cluster bomb dropped months [05:38] ago already in the in the bush and in [05:42] the forest up north. and a group of [05:45] pupils were touring and probably one of [05:49] the pupils picked up this piece of [05:52] cluster bomb and it exploded and one of [05:55] the pupils is killed. Three are heavily [05:58] badly wounded and others. So we send our [06:03] prayers for healing, for swift and full [06:07] recovery to the wounded and of course [06:09] embrace [06:11] the berved families and those loved ones [06:15] on behalf of all of us and on behalf of [06:18] the people of Israel. [06:21] Dear friends, Israel bonds, US and [06:24] international chairman of the board of [06:26] directors, Dr. Andrew M. Hatter and Mrs. [06:30] Welcome. They deserve a big vote of [06:32] thanks. [06:37] Israel Bonds global president and CEO [06:40] Danny Nave and Mrs. Ty Nave [06:45] and distinguished members of Israel [06:47] Bonds in this 75th anniversary [06:49] delegation. Ladies and gentlemen, I [06:53] welcome you together with Mikall to the [06:56] president residence here in the heart of [06:58] Jerusalem as we celebrate 75 years of [07:02] Israel bonds by decorating this noble [07:05] organization with the Israeli [07:07] presidential medal of honor. [07:11] You know dear friends you're dealing a [07:13] lot with investments and you know that [07:15] all investments by definition [07:18] are forwardlooking in nature. One has to [07:22] hold the belief or at least the hope for [07:24] a healthy return on the committed [07:27] capital. [07:28] An expectation of something larger in [07:30] return. [07:32] And whether they are passive or active, [07:35] investments are made with springs firmly [07:39] attached with a monetary payoff waiting [07:42] in the wings. [07:44] When my late uncle, [07:47] the legendary diplomat Abba Iban, [07:50] assumed his post as Israel's ambassador [07:52] to the United States in the early 1950s. [07:56] He established the Israel bonds program [07:59] with incredible partners. [08:01] They did so with multiple motivation in [08:04] mind. First and foremost, of course, was [08:08] generating financial support for our [08:11] young state. Just a few years after [08:13] independence, [08:15] they saw in the post-war America a [08:17] nation as generous as its vast [08:20] landscapes, [08:22] committed to fighting for freedom, [08:24] prosperity, and liberty for all. They [08:27] saw a devoted, committed Jewish [08:30] community aching to be connected to the [08:33] redemption of the land of Israel after [08:36] 2,000 years of exile. [08:39] And they saw an opportunity to deepen [08:42] the ties of friendship with the American [08:45] people [08:47] through these coupon and interestbearing [08:49] bonds. [08:51] For my uncle, for his colleagues, and [08:53] other members of that founding [08:55] generation [08:56] who helped launch the Israel Bonds [08:58] program 75 years ago, that vision [09:02] succeeded big time beyond their wildest [09:04] expectations. [09:06] The sophisticated structure of the [09:08] American economy and the ties they [09:11] formed with financial institutions and [09:14] investors were completely inaccessible [09:16] to the young struggling Israeli market [09:20] translated [09:21] a pioneering idea into a gradual [09:24] transformation of Israel's economy and [09:27] connecting it world over. Indeed, [09:32] the world, Western world with the [09:34] American people leading the way, but so [09:36] many other nations are represented here [09:39] have have invested in Israel in ways [09:42] both symbolic and firmly concrete. [09:45] Throughout the years, the United States [09:47] proved to be our most steadfast, most [09:50] powerful, and most important friend and [09:52] ally. And the Israel bonds program has [09:55] provided an anchor of support [09:58] throughout. [10:00] The proceeds from Israel bonds have been [10:03] used to build and develop our nation, [10:05] our infrastructure, [10:07] promote advancement in science and [10:10] technology, and to provide a vital [10:12] network of support during times of [10:14] crisis. This has never been more evident [10:19] than during the past few years of [10:20] uncertainty, [10:22] loss, and courage here in Israel since [10:26] that infamous October 7th. We are faced [10:30] with many foes, haters, bashers, and [10:33] enemies. [10:35] In this vein, I would add that awarding [10:37] the Nobel Prize, Peace Prize to one of [10:40] the leading proponents of the genocidal [10:43] lie, Na'vi Pilai, for her so-called [10:47] efforts to promote peace and [10:49] international law is a cynical decision [10:52] by the Nobel Prize Committee, which [10:55] celebrates a shameful display of moral [10:58] erosion, and is an affront to any life [11:01] affirming, peaceloving people, [11:04] particularly the victims and survivors [11:07] of the October 7th massacre. [11:10] Ladies and gentlemen, [11:13] the outstanding work done by Israel [11:15] Bonds raised $1 billion of capital in [11:19] the first month following October 7th [11:22] and more than $8 billion since that dark [11:25] day. It's you guys. To us, this serves [11:30] as a solid confirmation that despite [11:32] attempts to isolate us, the people of [11:35] Israel never stand alone. In fact, over [11:39] the past 75 years, more than 57 billion [11:43] dollar worth of Israel bonds have been [11:46] purchased around the world, solidifying [11:49] Israel's long-term standing in the [11:52] global market and demonstrating the [11:55] trust investors have in the state of [11:58] Israel. [12:00] And as you know all too well, we've [12:03] repaid that trust, never once [12:05] defaulting. and I'm certain we will [12:08] continue to do so. [12:11] As we celebrate 75 years of this [12:14] incredible organization, [12:16] I'm so delighted to recognize the many [12:19] visionaries who guided this [12:21] extraordinary operation throughout the [12:24] ages from the very beginning. [12:27] And I especially want to thank the [12:30] current leadership of Israel Bonds, my [12:32] dear friend Danny Nave, president and [12:35] CEO, and Dr. Andrew Hutter, chairman of [12:38] the board. Both of you have added [12:42] tremendously to this organization's [12:44] growing legacy, a legacy guided by an [12:47] important truth that your investments [12:51] comes with an expectation of far more [12:54] than just financial returns. It comes [12:57] with the hope of a people. It comes with [13:00] the understanding that we will be [13:02] responsible stewards for the faith and [13:05] capital that you have invested in us [13:08] using them wisely for the benefit of [13:11] future generations. [13:13] I will also add a personal comment. I [13:15] know Danny Nav since we both served in [13:18] the same unit in the army and we lived [13:21] for six months in a little desolate [13:24] place and we since then we stayed good [13:27] friends but the bonds Israel bonds is [13:29] getting this award on its merits not [13:31] because of my friendship with Danny N. [13:36] I'm sure that what we are marking today [13:38] will serve as a safe and welcoming [13:41] homeland for a wandering people because [13:44] actually this was the cause that brought [13:48] Israel and bonds to market it in the [13:50] beginning whilst we continue to build [13:52] bridges with Jewish communities in all [13:55] corners of the globe and I'm so honored [13:57] to have representatives from various [14:00] communities outside the United States. [14:03] I'm sure we will live up to the founding [14:05] ideas of our nation. Living as a Jewish [14:08] democratic nation state, providing [14:11] security to all our citizens while [14:14] striving to live in peace with our [14:17] neighbors. The people of Israel have met [14:20] this challenge with dignity, resilience, [14:23] a lot of agony and pain, and yet [14:26] incredible, incredible results. and for [14:29] the trust you place in us, I have chosen [14:33] at the recommendation of the advisory [14:35] committee headed by Supreme Court [14:38] Justice to present the Israel bonds with [14:40] the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor. [14:43] Thank you very much. [14:46] >> And now it is my pleasure to introduce [14:49] Mr. Danny Nave, [14:52] the global president and CEO of Israel [14:54] Bonds, a former Israeli cabinet [14:57] minister, a member of the Knesset and [15:00] prominent figure in the Israeli [15:02] businesses and financial community. [15:06] Under his management and leadership, [15:08] Israel Bonds has achieved success [15:11] shuttering sales records and reaching [15:14] new historic milestones. Please welcome [15:17] to the podium, Mr. Danny Nave, [15:29] President Isra, [15:31] my dear friend for really 47 years [15:34] already. Uh the first lady Mkhal Herzog, [15:39] chairman of uh the b of the board of [15:41] directors of Israel bonds, my dear [15:44] friend Dr. Andrew, Andy, and his spouse [15:48] Barbara. [15:49] We have here also the chairman of the US [15:53] National Advisory Council, Laura Stein. [15:55] Where is Laura? Ah, here you are. Uh, [15:59] dear friends, members of this very [16:02] special Israel's [16:04] leadership delegation. [16:07] Mr. President, I would like to uh first [16:09] start by uh probably the most important [16:14] word in all languages. In Hebrew, you [16:18] say to [16:20] you say, of course, in English, thank [16:22] you. Thank you so much for granting [16:25] Israabans this prestige medal of honor. [16:29] Thank you so much for that. [16:34] And I would like to take uh this [16:36] opportunity also, Mr. President, to [16:38] express our deep appreciation uh for [16:42] your leadership, especially at this time [16:44] of need. Your leadership is highly [16:48] respected and appreciated not only by [16:51] the Israelis, but by the entire Jewish [16:54] communities around the world. Thank you [16:56] so much for that. [17:02] With your permission uh I would like to [17:05] start uh by a personal note. So until [17:09] just uh a few weeks ago my mother lived [17:14] very close to here perhaps less than a [17:17] mile away. [17:18] And when the discussion about presenting [17:22] this medal first began, I dreamed that [17:25] my mother at that time 101 [17:29] yearear-old Holocaust survivor would be [17:32] here with us for this deeply moving [17:35] ceremony. [17:37] Sadly, she did not leave to see this day [17:41] and she passed away only recently. [17:45] And I can tell you by the way if I can [17:47] get out of the protocol of this ceremony [17:50] like speaking about our long-term [17:52] friendship one during my u last visit to [17:57] Jerusalem or one beforehand [18:00] uh we mentioned you Mr. President and [18:02] then she said remind him that on one of [18:03] the weekends his parents were away and I [18:06] made his laundry. [18:13] In any case, uh I can tell you also that [18:16] like almost every Jewish mother in [18:19] nearly every conversation we had, she [18:22] would ask me, Danny, first did you eat [18:24] today? Of course, but then she said, "Do [18:28] you work so hard?" Uh well, do they [18:31] really appreciate what you are doing? [18:34] And when she asked that, she didn't mean [18:36] like me personally, but for our entire [18:39] organization, if the people of Israel [18:41] really appreciate Israel bonds and what [18:44] you have been doing, we have been doing [18:45] for so many years for our beloved Jewish [18:48] homeland. [18:50] So, Imming [18:52] today, you have your answer from number [18:55] one citizen of the state of Israel, [18:57] President Herzog. [19:05] Mr. President, receiving uh this medal [19:07] today is really an extraordinary honor, [19:11] but it also carries a profound [19:13] responsibility. [19:15] This medal carries with it the weight of [19:18] generations. We accept it with modesty, [19:22] knowing that we do so only as [19:25] representatives of a remarkable [19:27] organization founded 75 years ago. We [19:31] accept it on behalf of the founders of [19:34] Israel bonds and Mr. president. You [19:36] mentioned that among them, of course, [19:38] one of the top leaders and the founders [19:40] of Israel bonds, the legendary Aba Eban, [19:42] your uncle. and we accept it on behalf [19:46] of 2.5 million Israel bonds accounts uh [19:51] opened by I don't know how many exactly [19:54] probably hundred of thousands probably [19:56] more of people who invested in Israel [19:58] bonds over the decades and we accept it [20:02] on behalf of the generations of leaders [20:04] who have guided this organization and on [20:07] behalf of the dedicated professionals [20:10] who from the founding of Israel Bonds [20:12] until today have built it and led it to [20:15] extraordinary achievements. [20:18] Mr. President, we are proud that Israel [20:22] bonds has raised more than I and I would [20:24] now have an update for you, Mr. [20:25] President. Couple of days ago, we have [20:27] we have surpassed 58 billion already, [20:32] not only 57, 58 billion. a couple of [20:35] days ago uh helping Israel really grow [20:38] from a young and developing nation into [20:41] the vibrant, innovative startup nation [20:44] we are today. And we are especially [20:47] moved to stand here today at the [20:50] president's residence 3 years after [20:54] October 7th, 2023. [20:57] And on that very horrific day, I [21:01] initiated a special campaign for Israel. [21:03] And together, our leadership, our [21:06] professional team, our supporters, our [21:09] investors around the world, we really [21:12] raised record-breaking numbers. Uh, [21:15] currently more than 8.5 billion dollars [21:19] for Israel. 8.5 billion dollar that were [21:23] raised for Israel since October 7. [21:28] So we are here, dear friends, today [21:32] to deliver a very powerful message. When [21:35] our beloved Jewish homeland needs us, it [21:38] will never never be alone. Before [21:47] I conclude, I would like to express [21:50] really special thanks first to our [21:52] leadership, to our chairman of the [21:55] board, Dr. Harter, the US and [21:58] international board members that are [22:00] here with us today. The national council [22:02] chair Laura Stein, the members of the [22:05] council, Israel bonds investors and [22:08] leadership from around the world. And I [22:10] would like also to acknowledge uh really [22:14] u an important uh I would say member but [22:18] member is not the right terminology but [22:20] an important part of our achievement [22:22] which is a ministry of finance and the [22:25] accounting general unit of the ministry [22:27] of finance and we have here today Gil [22:29] Kohhen the deputy accounting general of [22:32] the state of Israel [22:35] and I saw before Elenor Zani who leads [22:38] the ministry of finance office in New [22:40] York City. We couldn't have done that [22:42] without you. [22:44] And mostly uh and most importantly, I [22:47] would like also to thank my staff, my [22:50] team, Israel Bond's professional team. [22:52] We have here a few members of our seuite [22:55] my seuite team uh Stuart Garitz [22:59] um [23:01] Eric Krueger Jordan Has uh Zev [23:05] Rubenstein Sherry Stern and of course [23:08] other members of our professional team. [23:10] They really deserve your applause for [23:13] everything that they've been doing. [23:17] And lastly, I would like to thank my [23:20] family, my wife Tilli and my children [23:24] Itai and Yel that are here. My future [23:26] son-in-law Barak who is here. Um, and I [23:30] thank them because uh, for the last few [23:33] years especially, I've been working 24/7 [23:36] tirelessly for our beloved Jewish [23:38] homeland and they were on like backing [23:41] me and supporting me all that way. And I [23:44] believe you would agree with me, Mr. [23:46] President, how much we should really [23:47] admire this generation of young [23:49] Israelis, what they went through during [23:52] the last few years, some of them from [23:54] really risking their life at the [23:55] battlefield. Uh different things that [23:58] they went through, including my family [24:00] during the last few years. And their [24:02] resilience is unbelievable. Really [24:05] unbelievable. So, uh, I'm glad at least [24:08] that my family is here, but there are [24:10] only like a small group of [24:11] representatives of really unbelievable [24:14] young Israelis. Because of them, thank [24:17] to them, we are here today. [24:24] Finally, really I would like to uh tell [24:27] you that unfortunately [24:29] we don't have a time machine that can [24:32] take us back to that historic moment uh [24:36] on May 10th, 1951 when David Benguian [24:40] arrived in New York City at the [24:42] legendary Medicine Square Garden to [24:44] launch Israel's operation. So we don't [24:47] have a time machine to take you back [24:48] over there. But we have even more [24:51] powerful technologies these days which [24:53] is AI. So please join us for this very [24:57] special AI journey. [25:14] So David, how is your visit to the [25:16] states going so far? [25:18] >> Remarkable, Albert. [25:21] >> The inaugural state of Israel bonds [25:23] event at Medicine Square Garden was [25:26] historic. [25:28] >> We asked for partnership in state [25:31] building. [25:32] We raised over $52 million for our young [25:36] state. [25:37] >> Wow, that's truly incredible. It is a [25:40] gift to remember such moments. A shame [25:43] our physics does not allow us to glimpse [25:46] the future so easily. [25:52] >> Actually, professor, it does. [25:54] >> Excuse me, miss. Remind me. Who are you? [25:58] >> Just a fan from the future. the future. [26:02] I didn't know time travel was possible. [26:04] >> Time travel. I prefer to stay drowned. [26:12] >> Let me show you the meaningful role [26:14] Israel Bonds is about to play for Israel [26:17] and the bond you, Professor Einstein, [26:19] are about to buy for this young nation. [26:29] In Israel's early years, Israel bonds [26:31] helped fund essential infrastructure, [26:34] industry, and natural resources, laying [26:36] the foundation of a nation, enabling the [26:39] development of every aspect of Israel's [26:41] economy. [26:45] Today, their general obligation bonds [26:47] used when and where needed most. [26:49] >> Let me tell you something, my friend. [26:52] relative to where it began. The momentum [26:55] is remarkable. [26:58] >> Well, our enemies weren't pleased by [27:00] that momentum, and the young nation [27:02] faced challenging moments like in 1967 [27:06] when Israel faced the 6- day war, a [27:09] defining moment that tested the [27:10] resilience of our young nation. That [27:13] same year, annual bond sales reached a [27:16] record of 200 million. [27:19] or in 1973 with Yamapour war. The Jewish [27:23] community responds by purchasing Israel [27:26] bonds in unprecedented numbers, [27:28] surpassing $500 million in annual [27:31] worldwide sales for the first time. [27:33] >> The Jewish people have a way of defying [27:36] all odds. [27:37] >> That's true, Professor. Time and time [27:39] again, Israel endured and emerged [27:42] stronger. [27:46] In the decades that followed, Israel [27:49] continued to build with determination [27:50] and welcomed new immigrants who [27:52] strengthened its social fabric, [27:55] continuing the pursuit of peace and [27:57] stability in a complex region. [28:06] Entering the new century, Israel's [28:08] economy grew rapidly and consistently, [28:10] emerging as the startup nation. [28:12] >> Wow, look at that. Growing highrises, [28:16] fast-paced cities, expanding highways, [28:18] and modern infrastructure. Students, [28:21] researchers, and engineers. [28:24] Hold on. That curiosity, that rigger, [28:28] I've seen it before. Wait, is that the [28:32] Hebrew University of Jerusalem? [28:34] >> The very one you helped found. [28:36] >> I'm speechless. Incredible. [28:40] >> Wait till you get this. Israel bonds [28:42] investors stood with Israel all along. [28:45] By 2017, global investment through [28:47] Israel bonds surpassed $40 billion since [28:51] founding. [28:52] >> Billion with a B. [28:54] >> Billion with a B. [28:56] >> It seems the future is bright and [28:58] stable. [29:02] >> Today, Israel under a surprise attack. [29:07] >> On October 7th, 2023. [29:17] The people of Israel were brutally [29:19] attacked. [29:20] That day brought unimaginable violence [29:23] and devastating loss. [29:28] Families and communities were shattered. [29:32] 251 people were taken hostage. [29:36] men, women, children, the elderly. [29:40] >> This is horrible. I've seen what happens [29:43] when the world looks away. [29:49] >> But unlike dark times in history, Israel [29:52] now is a strong state. Soldiers and [29:55] civilians moved into action quickly, not [29:58] because they were told to, but because [30:00] they felt obligated to do something. [30:03] And it wasn't only Israelis. Across the [30:06] globe, the Jewish diaspora and Israel's [30:08] supporters responded with a tidal wave [30:10] of support. [30:13] Israel bonds mobilized immediately, [30:15] providing critical funds at a moment of [30:17] profound need. [30:21] Within 30 days, $1 billion was raised in [30:24] support of Israel. And within the 2 and [30:27] 1/2 years of the war, that total [30:29] exceeded $7.7 billion. [30:33] I see now I need to update my claim. Two [30:37] things are infinite. The universe and [30:40] the unbelievably strong spirit of the [30:42] Jewish people. [31:05] Quite the headstand, isn't it? [31:07] >> He's certainly taking his pine, [31:14] >> Mr. Ne. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, [31:18] we now come to the heart of our evening, [31:21] presentation of the Israeli Presidential [31:23] Medal of Honor to Israel bonds. The [31:27] Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is [31:30] awarded by the President of the State of [31:32] Israel to those who be virtue of their [31:35] skills, service or in any other way have [31:38] made an exceptional contribution to the [31:41] state of Israel or to humanity. The [31:45] medal was initiated by the ninth [31:47] president of Israel, Shimon Perez, and [31:50] was the first awarded in 2012. [31:54] Upon taking office, President Herzog [31:56] appointed an advisory committee chaired [32:00] by retired Supreme Court Justice [32:02] Professor Yoram Dinger takes with [32:05] recommending worth candidates for the [32:09] medal. [32:10] Since then, President has awarded the [32:13] medal of leading figures in Israel and [32:16] abroad across diverse fields, including [32:19] heads of state, key social leaders from [32:22] ver versus sectors, and Jewish leaders [32:25] in Israel and worldwide. Tonight, the [32:29] Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is [32:32] awarded to Israel bonds for Yes. [32:41] for 75 years of singular service in [32:44] promoting the growth, economic security, [32:48] and prosperity of the state of Israel, [32:51] for directly strengthening Israel's [32:53] economy in times of peace and sustaining [32:57] it through moments of the great [32:59] challenge, including through remarkable [33:02] and repeat mobilization in the wake of [33:05] the massacre of October 7, 2020. 23 and [33:09] for embodying in the clear clearest [33:12] terms of the unwavering bonds of mutual [33:16] responsibility, solidarity and heart [33:19] within the Jewish people while building [33:21] bridges of friendship and goodwill [33:24] between Israel and partners across [33:27] diverse faith and nationalities [33:29] worldwide. [33:32] Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my great [33:35] honor to invite the excellency the [33:38] president of the state of Israel, Mr. [33:41] Herzog to the stage to present the [33:43] presidential medal of honor to Israel [33:46] bonds. Joining the president to receive [33:49] it on behalf of the organization are [33:51] Israel Bonds global president and CEO [33:54] Mr. Ani no and Israel bonds US and [33:58] international chairman of boards of [34:00] director Dr. Andrew Hatter. Please join [34:04] me in a warm round of applause. [34:20] Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Andrew M. [34:23] Harter has served as Israel bonds US [34:26] international chairman of the boards of [34:29] directors since 2024 [34:32] following more than 25 years of [34:34] leadership within the organization. [34:37] Please welcome him to the podium. You're [34:39] welcome. [34:50] >> Okay. [35:01] Now you can clap. [35:40] Good. [35:48] Wow. [35:52] Much more emotional than I expected. It [35:55] is really an honor to share this with [35:57] all of you. Mr. President, Madame First [36:01] Lady, and everyone in this room. Thank [36:05] you. Thank you, Mr. President, Miss [36:07] First Lady, for opening your home and [36:08] bestowing this unbelievably great honor [36:10] on our organization. I have stood in [36:13] many great rooms over the course of more [36:15] than 25 years with Israel Bonds. I have [36:18] shaken a great many hands and I've been [36:21] honored to receive my share of honors [36:24] for myself and the organization along [36:25] the way. But nothing nothing compares to [36:29] standing inside the official residence [36:31] of the president of the state of Israel [36:34] watching our organization with all of [36:36] you receive the Israeli Presidential [36:38] Medal of Honor. I want to be clear about [36:42] what this medal actually represents [36:45] because I do not want that lost on [36:47] anybody in this room. This is not a [36:50] plaque. This is not a certificate. This [36:53] is one of the highest honors that the [36:55] state of Israel can bestow. And tonight, [36:58] it has been given to us, Israel Bonds, [37:01] in recognition of 75 years. 75 years of [37:05] investors like each and every one of you [37:07] in this room, choosing again and again [37:10] to stand beside this country when it [37:13] matters most. Mr. President, we accept [37:16] this medal not for any one person in [37:18] this room, but on behalf of every single [37:21] investor who has ever purchased an [37:23] Israel bond, who has ever believed in [37:25] the Jewish state, who has ever said with [37:28] their own money, "I stand with Israel. I [37:30] believe in its future. this medal [37:32] belongs to them. Thank you again, Mr. [37:35] President. Thank you, the state of [37:37] Israel. And thank you to each and every [37:39] one of you in this room tonight. I'm [37:41] Israel Kai. [37:46] >> Dear guests, we have a special treat for [37:49] everyone. Once ceremony is over, with a [37:52] personal invitation of the president of [37:54] the state of Israel, there will be an [37:56] opportunity to take photos with the [37:59] president on stage. We kindly ask you to [38:02] follow their organizer instructions and [38:05] maintain order. [38:07] Thank you all for being a part of this [38:10] extraordinary evening. Now I invite [38:13] Leaguedor back to the stage. Please rise [38:16] and join us singing the Israeli national [38:19] anthem, Hatikva. [38:45] Lord [38:52] never [38:55] thee. [39:07] I [39:09] on to [39:14] what [39:30] them. She [39:55] shall
