|
|
December 10, 2004/Kislev 27 5765, Vol. 57, No.15
Israel Bonds reopens here
Executive director hopes to 'rebuild bridges'
STEPHANIE N. HENSCHEL
Staff Writer
State of Israel Bonds will reopen its Phoenix regional office, according to an announcement made Nov. 30 by Israel Bonds president and CEO Joshua Matza.
Monies from Israel Bonds are used by Israel's Finance Ministry to help fund projects in such key economic sectors as agriculture, shipping, energy and more. According to the Israel Bonds Web site, the corporation was established in 1951 to implement Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's decision to float a bond issue to bolster Israel's fledgling economy.
The organization closed its local office Feb. 28, 2002, due to a mandate from the Israeli government, which funds the bonds. At that time, the government had to reduce the bond budget from $42 million to $40 million, due to continued violence related to the Palestinian intifada, reduced tourism and a weakened economy.
Upon the closure of the regional location, all operations were directed to the Los Angeles office.
The new regional office, located at 10617 N. Hayden Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale, will also serve Las Vegas and Tucson.
"This is a strong, vibrant Jewish community," Matza said in the release issued Nov. 30, "and we know its members will respond enthusiastically to the effort to build and strengthen Israel's economy."
Staci Victor has taken over as executive director of the agency. She had previously worked with Israel Bonds, beginning in 1990 when she was a field representative covering Tucson; Denver; Las Vegas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Santa Fe, N.M.; and El Paso, Texas. She was later promoted to executive director and held that position until she left in 1997 to take care of her two children. She rejoined the organization in October.
According to Victor, the office is reopening due to the "vigorous community of friends of Israel" in Arizona.
Victor said she is thrilled to be back with the agency.
"I'm really very excited," she said. "Israel Bonds has always been a great fit for me."
She said she hopes to "rebuild bridges" within the community, acknowledging that some were upset by the office's closure. She also wants to "reach out to all aspects of the community to help people get a better understanding of today's Israel Bonds."
An open house is planned for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the office to celebrate the reopening. The community is invited to attend and hear guest speaker Yehuda Avner, a veteran Israeli diplomat.
For more information on Israel Bonds, call 480-948-7415 or (800) 229-4324.
Contact the writer here
|
|
