Ariel Karabelnicoff is really excited about his new opportunity to work on behalf of the State of Israel. "Beginning in December, I will be the national sales director for the State of Israel Bonds, based in Toronto. I will oversee sales nationally and will assist the local executive directors across the country to maximize sales of Israel bonds."

Karabelnicoff, who was born and raised in Argentina and who made aliya to Israel at age 18, says "People can hold Israel Bonds in their investment portfolios, RRSPs and TFSAs. Israel Bonds are now being sold online. An Israel Bond makes an excellent gift for a Bar or Bat-Mitzvah, or any other happy life cycle event. Purchasing an Israel Bond is a direct investment in the State of Israel, and an  excellent way to teach our children about saving and investing in general, and specifically about doing so in the State of Israel. You can buy a bond for as little as $36."

He adds that “Buying Israel Bonds is a secure investment. The interest rates are very competitive and Israel Bonds has a perfect record of repayment. There has never ever been a default."

Although Israel Bonds no longer has an office in Winnipeg, Karabelnicoff  says he is  glad to also become  the contact person for Winnipeg, along with his colleague, Phyllis Daguiar in Calgary. "In my new position I expect to be coming to Winnipeg and meeting with people who are investors or potential investors in Israel Bonds," he notes.

Karabelnicoff , who first moved to Winnipeg in 2003, says "that Winnipeg became home for myself and my family. I have spent practically a third of my life in Winnipeg." He notes that roughly the first third of his life has been spent in Argentina, and the second third has been spent in Israel, where he served in the Israel Defense Forces (in the territories),  met and married his wife Gaby, who is also from Argentina and "our oldest daughter Shaked was borne in Israel "(The couple's youngest daughter was born in Winnipeg). In Israel, Karabelnicoff also  studied Political Science at the Hebrew University, and in the late 1990s, he was able to pursue his interest in Israeli politics, by  working for a period of time as an aide to former Labour politician and  cabinet minister Shlomo Ben-Ami, "which was a really interesting experience." He then  worked for the Gallup organization, but began looking for new opportunities after a reorganization of the company.  He and Gaby returned to Argentina, but given the economic and social climate, they decided to come to Canada. They heard about  the Winnipeg Jewish community’s interest in attracting Jews from Argentina to Winnipeg, and arrived here full of hope and excitement, with determination to build a new life for themselves.

"I have been lucky and privileged to meet exceptional people in Winnipeg, who helped me develop in my career. Many of them have become my good friends,"  says Karabelnicoff, who also spent a year studying English and business in England.

"On moving to Winnipeg in 2003, I first worked for the United Way in fundraising and then worked as an investment adviser with a boutique investment firm. After three years with them, I became the executive director for the State of Israel Bonds in Winnipeg. I served in that position for seven enjoyable years. After that I became the executive director of the Winnipeg Chapter of  Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University for two years, and then four years ago, I became executive director of  the Jewish National Fund," says Karabelnicoff.

"I have been delighted to serve as the executive director for the JNF. In my role I was lucky to be able to raise funds for the World's Jewish Museum [an initiative of the Asper Foundation] and funds to improve the lives of  Israelis in need, be it  battered women or disabled soldiers. I was also able to raise funds to build green spaces and to plant trees."

Karabelnicoff concludes, "I am passionate about Israel and believe that working on behalf of Israel is my  my life's purpose."

He adds, "For now, I'll be commuting back and forth from Winnipeg to Toronto. This is not a farewell ("Shalom"), but a "L'hitraot" ("I'll see you again").