This Hanukkah, I see glimmers of light

For the Jewish people, the darkness of this past year has been overwhelming in so many ways. Israel is fighting a continuous war on multiple fronts. Antisemitism is rising globally. Many Israelis sacrificed their life for the future of their country. There are 100 hostages still captive in Gaza. Hannukah reminds us that even in the darkness, you can find light. From my unique position as the President & CEO of Israel Bonds/Development Corporation for Israel – facing both the challenges and opportunities of the past year – I have seen many glimmers of light that will shine much brighter very soon.

What are these lights?

First, the Jewish communities galvanized support for Israel.

When the Maccabees defeated the Seleucids, they did so as a people united by a common cause, they were the underdogs who held fast to their faith, overcame a bigger army, and defeated an enemy determined to eliminate us as Jews. Today is no different. The Jewish people, though scattered across the world, have come together in a time of crisis to fight for our future.

I have seen up close how Jews in Israel and the Diaspora have come together this past year in a world that seeks to tear us apart. For instance, sales of Israel Bonds in the Diaspora have hit record levels – driven by people of all political stripes and backgrounds, from Bnei Mitzvah students to billionaire philanthropists. More importantly, in ways big and small, from Paris to Berkeley, from New York to Los Angeles, I have watched community members come together to support each other and stand together with Israel, as proud advocates and committed Jews.

The second light I’ve seen is the growing number of allies for Israel and the Jewish people.

Despite consistent BDS attempts to attack Israel Bonds, we have found so many new allies at this moment. Although they are a sometimes-silent majority, they get drowned out by the small but very noisy group of detractors. But Israel has many friends, and we would be remiss to not to acknowledge them and express our gratitude. A significant part of our investors are individuals and institutions who made it clear they support the United States’ best ally in the Middle East.

The third light is in Israel itself.

Since its inception, Israel has faced a host of challenges: wars, terrorism, diplomatic isolation, and regional instability. Despite all of this, the Jewish State has emerged as a beacon of progress in the Middle East and the world. Israel’s strength depends on its military and economic prowess, as much as it depends on the Jewish spirit and the enduring commitment to our values. That will continue in the years ahead.

On the security front, like our Hasmonean ancestors, the Israelis fight with valor and have achieved hard-won victories. Iran’s proxies destroyed or existentially damaged – from Assad’s Syria to Hezbollah to Hamas. We hope that this lays the groundwork for a more peaceful future.

On the economic front, Israel is well positioned to thrive in the years ahead. Despite the challenges of this war, Israeli entrepreneurs and dreamers continue to develop the ideas, products, and companies that will be indispensable in the future. At Israel Bonds, we are proud to play a pivotal role in Israel’s economic resilience.

Israel is a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and research, with more than 600 companies generating more than $6.5 billion in exports.

The Jewish State’s universities and research centers continue to attract the brightest minds and remains the leader in Nobel Prize winners per capita.

In the coming years, as Israel continues to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, we must hold onto the core values that have sustained us since the days of the Maccabees: resilience, unity, and hope. Hanukkah is a reminder that Israel’s light can and will continue to shine, illuminating the path toward a prosperous and secure future for all its citizens.