NEW CEO OF ISRAEL BONDS CANADA : WE VALUE OUR WINNIPEG INVESTORS AND HOPE TO COUNT ON THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT

by Rhonda Spivak

Raquel Benzacar Savatti has become the first female CEO of Israel Bonds Canada (Canada-Israel Securities, Limited). The Torontonian has had a long association with Israel Bonds Canada, having worked previously as  Director of  the  Synagogue Division, and  Chief Customer Service Officer as well as Director of the Women's Division for Toronto under the previous tenure of former CEO Yona Gazit.

In an interview with the Winnipeg Jewish Review Benzacar Savatti said that "We at Israel Bonds value all of our Winnipeg investors and want to express our gratitude to them. We want them to know that even though we do not have a local staff person in the city, we are here for them, and we hope that we can count on their  continued support of  Israel Bonds. We encourage any one who would like to speak to us with questions, feedback or comments to call us toll free at 1.800.771.9301. "  

Benzacar Savatti adds that "In addition to valuing our loyal existing Israel bonds investors, we hope to interest new investors in purchasing Israel bonds. We are looking to re-energize our presence in communities across the country. I plan to come out to Winnipeg from time to time to reinforce our commitment. "

Benzacar Savatti said that when she comes to Winnipeg she hopes to meet long-time Israel bonds investors as well as potential new investors. 

Having been involved previously also in the areas of sales and operations as well as human resources at Israel bonds, Benzacar Savatti noted that " Israel bonds dollars are as important now as they always have been. The state of Israel is still looking to us to invest."

She said that from its launching in 1951 and continuing through the present day, Israel Bonds has played a unique role in Israel’s rapid progression from struggling agrarian nation to global economic powerhouse. "Today, investing in Israel bonds supports a nation of extraordinary innovation that continues to push the boundaries of modern technology. Many companies in the world, such as Google, are in Israel setting up their own R&D or buying Israeli start ups.  Companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft and so many more see Israel as a global innovation hub. In fact, On October 18, Business Insider ranked Israel as the 2^nd most innovative country in the world.” 

Another newsworthy item that Benzacar Savatti mentioned is the fact that business magnate Warren Buffet has just recently invested $5 million of Israel Bonds in his personal portfolio- at a private event in Omaha Nebraska that raised $60 million in Israel bond sales. Forty Three US bond investors who attended the evening event each invested a minimum of $1 million . “If you are looking for brains, energy and dynamism in the Middle East, Israel is the only place you need to go,” Buffett, said. Buffet spoke positively of investing in Israel bonds, calling the investments  " a terrific tribute to the country.  Buffett added: “You can tell prospective investors that I would have taken a perpetual bond if you had offered one. I believe Israel is going to be around forever.” In expressing appreciation to Buffett, new Israel Bonds President & Global CEO Israel Maimon said, "This event tells me that Warren Buffett, famed for his investment expertise, continues to view Israel as a sure bet." (see http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/220005)

Regarding  Buffet's recent 5 million dollar investment and the event which raised $ 60 in Israel bonds sales, Benzacar Savatti said. "This is a testament to the fact that Israel bonds are a wonderful investment. The State of Israel has successfully managed one of the most dynamic economies in the world, a fact fully reflected in the continuous improvement in Israel's credit rating and positive economic outlook."

When Moody’s credit rating agency reaffirmed Israel’s A1 rating they noted Israel's "durable economy and robust institutions, which have enabled the country to successfully weather global and domestic shocks as well as geopolitical challenges with limited disruption to its economic stability." Moody's added, "Furthermore, Israel can also depend upon financial support from the global Jewish community, mainly via the Israel Bonds program, and the U.S. government, especially in an emergency."  In mid-November, Fitch Rating upgraded Israel’s credit ratings from A to A+.

Prior to taking on her new role, Benzacar Savatti worked from June 2014 as the Executive director of Ezer Mizion Canada, Israel’s National Health Support organization.  "My mandate there was to create awareness and raise funds. We increased donors and dollars by almost 50%, " she stated.

In our interview, Benzacar also pointed out that all Israel bonds salespeople will become registered broker dealers (which means they take a securities course).  She also noted that Israel Bonds has made " ongoing improvements to our product offering, with more client-friendly terms and rates."

She concluded by saying "I look forward to working with you and welcome comments, questions and feedback from Winnipeg."

For more information about Israel Bonds, go to www.israelbonds.ca