Jewish Atlantans Honored at Israel Bonds Conference

Longstanding Atlanta-based advocates for Israel and the Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds were among Israel Bonds’ 2023 International Leadership Conference Honorees at the organization’s recent convening in Washington, D.C.

Adrian and Ilene P. Grant were among 11 honorees who were recognized at a special dinner hosted by Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, at the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

Adrian has served on the Israel Bonds National Board for the past 15 years and was chairman of the Atlanta Israel Bonds Council. Over the years, Adrian has been a member of the Atlanta boards of AIPAC, Birthright Israel, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. He is a partner in the CPA and Advisory firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram. Ilene is a retired college math professor.

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“Ilene and I are so pleased to be honored by Israel Bonds,” Adrian Grant said. “We have been very involved in many Jewish organizations and boards supporting Israel. Israel Bonds provides us with a real opportunity to be directly involved in the growth and development of the state of Israel. It is so gratifying to visit Israel and see firsthand what Israel Bonds investments have done to enable the amazing growth and development of the state of Israel, and to help allow such a strong and vibrant economy.”

Additionally, Chuck Berk, the organization’s outgoing ​​National Campaign Advisory Council Chair, was also honored for his distinguished service to the organization. Berk, a prominent Atlanta-based businessman, is the owner and president of BCR Properties LLC. He previously owned R.S. Andrews, of Tidewater, opened a national At-Home Services Division at Home Depot and was vice president of Sears Home Improvements.

In addition to his role at Israel Bonds, Berk is also the co-chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition of Atlanta and is the chairman of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust board, appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp.

During the dinner, Berk told the audience, “I am often asked by colleagues, friends, family, what my most gratifying work has been throughout my career, and although I’m very proud of my work, my reply is always that it has taken place outside of business, taking a leadership role in the Jewish community, most especially with Israel Bonds. I began that work in Atlanta decades ago and, over time, I’ve joined a network of peers across the country and around the world who share my commitment to maintaining a prosperous state of Israel by investing in Israel bonds.”

The Grants and Berk joined other honorees from across the U.S. at Israel Bonds’ International Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., from March 12-14. Israel Bonds’ National and International Board and Council members came together to celebrate Israel’s upcoming 75th birthday.

Ambassador Herzog congratulated the honorees, saying, “Israel Bonds International Leadership Conference has a special meaning this year as we mark the 75th year of independence of the Jewish, democratic State of Israel. This year, we also mark 75 years of the unique alliance between Israel and the United States of America, our closest ally. In its 75 years of existence, the State of Israel has been propelled to success by a variety of important supporters and organizations and a key one is Israel Bonds. Perhaps, it has become a cliché, but it’s true when they say, ‘it takes a village.’ Our village is made up [of these] honorees and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank each and every one of you.”

Congratulating both Berk and the honorees, Israel Bonds’ National and International Chairman of the Board, Howard L. Goldstein, said, “As someone who’s been involved in Israel Bonds for over 40 years, it’s gratifying to honor outstanding advocates for the Jewish state. Each of our honorees and Chuck Berk represent what it means to be an exemplary lay leader. Together, we’ve seen Israel achieve the impossible and we’re eager to see what other triumphs are in store for the next 75 years.”

Dani Naveh, president and CEO of Israel Bonds, added, “We are so proud of Adrian and Ilene P. Grant, who are role models for unconditional support for the State of Israel and its people. Our honorees play a decisive role in Israel Bonds campaigns, with their support and their valuable introductions, which enable Israel’s rapid evolution into a global leader in pioneering cutting-edge technologies — all while making a financial investment on a personal level. This win-win proposition offered by Israel Bonds is poised to stand the test of time.

“As for Chuck Berk, Israel Bonds is grateful for his faithful service to the organization and, while I look forward to working with his successor, Larry Olschwanger, I’m confident that Chuck will continue to be a valuable resource to me and the organization as a whole.”

Berk told the AJT, “I’ve been honored to serve as Israel Bonds National Campaign Chair for three years. We generated over $1 billion in bonds investments each year.”

For 72 years, Israel Bonds has focused on one mission: to generate financial support for the building and development of Israel’s economy. Its longstanding unwavering support for Israel’s strong democratic principles and its dynamic economy is the driving force behind the organization’s vision.

As such, with political protests sweeping Israel and abroad, Israel Bonds is working through periods of heightened passions and political rhetoric that’s leading to demonstrations and protests. As a U.S.-based financial organization, Israel Bonds respects people’s rights to engage peacefully in the democratic process, both in the U.S. and in Israel. The organization continues to maintain that any attempt to politicize their work is unhelpful and misplaced. Israel Bonds does not endorse any political position of any politician, administration, or ideology. That is why it hopes people will recognize the importance of ensuring politics does not impact their good work.

Berk stated to the AJT, “Israel Bonds is not a political organization and deserves support from all Jews to strengthen our homeland. Investing in Israel counters political groups which are trying to boycott, sanction and divest in Israel.”

To date, the organization has secured more than $48 billion in investments worldwide since its first bonds were first issued in 1951, with the proceeds playing an instrumental role in Israel’s transformation into a groundbreaking global innovator in various industries.