Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich traveled to New York to express his deep gratitude to the American people, the U.S. government, Jewish communities across the country, and particularly the Israel Bond holders of the United States.
Since October 7, American investors have injected $2.5 billion into Israel’s economy through Israel Bonds, a lifeline that Smotrich acknowledged as crucial to the country’s survival.
“Without the Almighty sending you as a savior, Israel would have been lost,” Smotrich declared. “On behalf of all Israeli souls, present and past, I want to thank you and honor you for your courage, your unwavering support, and your financial commitment.”
The event was hosted by Israel Bonds, under the leadership of its esteemed National Director, Ethan Behling. In an emotional moment, Smotrich, with tears in his eyes, emphasized, “You stood by us in our time of despair. We pledge to stand by you forever.”
The day prior, Smotrich met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, D.C., to personally thank him and the U.S. administration for their historic support of Israel. “In the darkest moments of our nation, we always knew who our true friends were,” he said. “This will remain a debt of gratitude forever.”
During his visit, Smotrich took a moment to personally recognize Chaplain Mendy Coën, Director General of the United States Chaplain Corps (USCC), for his selfless dedication in the search, rescue, and recovery operations following the October 7 attacks.
Chaplain Coën expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve, stating, “I thank the Israeli government for allowing me to stand with our brothers and sisters in their time of need.”
In a lighthearted yet insightful moment, Chaplain Coën remarked on Smotrich’s name: “Your name is Smotrich—‘Rich.’ Your mission is to ‘Make Israel Rich Again,’ drawing inspiration from President Trump’s campaign slogan, ‘Make America Great Again.’
Coën noted, “The true quality of a leader is not measured by the support he receives during a crisis, but by his gratitude in its aftermath—when stability returns, and he remembers those who stood by him. Without a doubt, Bezalel Smotrich deserves credit for his undeniable ‘Menschlichkeit’ (integrity and decency).”
Smotrich’s visit was a powerful testament to the resilience of the Israeli-American alliance and the unwavering commitment of those who stand with Israel in its most challenging times.
Thank you for your work! Am Yisrael chai
When will Crown Heights host an Israel Bonds event so that Betzalel can thank all the Lubavitcher investors that put money behind Israel?!