Prepared by Canada Israel Securities Ltd.
(CiSL) – The following is an interview with Raquel Benzacar Savatti, CEO, Israel Bonds Canada.
What exactly is an Israel Bond?
Technically, an Israel Bond is a loan made to the State of Israel. In return for the loan, the State of Israel agrees to pay interest to the bondholder and repay the loan at the end of the term.
However, the emotional connection to Israel is really central to the investment. At the end of the day, people know that by buying an Israel Bond, they are loaning Israel money, and that it makes a positive impact for the future.
We’re close to Chanukah at the time of this interview – is there a link between Israel Bonds and Jewish holidays?
Absolutely! Israel Bonds are all about a powerful bond of tradition and connection to Israel. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate a holiday or a Simcha!
Giving Israel Bonds as Chanukah Gelt is also affordable, with online options as low as CAD $36.
And today, with the rise of lethal antisemitism, we must constantly renew that connection, with strength and pride. It’s not just a material gift that will be forgotten. It’s a reminder that in so many ways, Isael bonds us all together.
How do Israel Bonds contribute to Israel’s economy, especially post October 7th?
Israel Bonds play a vital role in supporting Israel’s economy by channeling funds into the economy. Israel needs the funds for rebuilding and recovery efforts amid the ongoing conflict, with increased demand for additional support.
Over the last 14 months, Israel Bonds has realized close to FOUR BILLION dollars in global sales – more than three and a half times the average annual sales volume. Many thousands of Canadian investors have spoken, loudly and proudly. Israel is our pillar, our shield, it is the eternal source of our pride and resilience.
What misconceptions do people have about Israel Bonds, and how do you address them?
One common misconception is that Israel Bonds are donations rather than investments. Israel Bonds, sold in Canada under the registered name of ‘Canada-Israel Securities, Limited,’ are strong investments that help strengthen Israel’s economy overall, while providing tangible returns for investors.
One common misconception is that Israel Bonds are donations rather than investments.
Over time, more and more people across Canada began to think about Israel Bonds as a part of their investment strategy. So, we started having conversations with financial advisors who saw the value of adding Israel bonds to their Jewish and non-Jewish clients’ portfolios. There is such a broad base of support.
What are the different types of Israel bonds available to investors?
There was a time when Israel Bonds were only available in U.S. dollars and had to be held for 12 or 15 years!
But Israel Bonds today are different. They’re available in Canadian and US currencies. And you can choose terms of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, or longer if you wish.
Most Israel Bonds pay semi-annual interest for the entire term of the bond, ideal for building the strong fixed-income portion of your investment portfolio. Other Israel Bonds pay principal and interest at maturity. There’s variety and flexibility for a range of investment objectives.
How can individuals purchase Israel bonds?
We have a few options and they’re all fairly easy. It’s important to know that in early 2021, Israel bonds in Canada became a regulated ‘Broker-Dealer.’ This means that ‘Canada-Israel Securities, Limited’ – which is our official registered trading name – is licensed by the Ontario Securities Commission, and securities commissions across Canada.
So, if you are buying a bond for the first time since early 2021, the first thing you’ll do is open an account. You’ll provide some basic information about yourself, and a bit of financial information. This helps ensure that you’re making investments suitable for your situation.
You can do the application online – it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Our review and approval process is completed within a day or two, and then you’re ready to buy.
We see that Israel Bonds are RRSP and TFSA eligible. Is that a popular option?
Yes- thousands of people across Canada are adding Israel Bonds to their retirement planning RRSP accounts.
And over the past several years, more clients have been adding bonds to their TFSAs. The Federal Government has approved another $7,000 allocation for TFSAs in 2025, which makes Tax-Free Savings Accounts more like Tax-Free Investment Accounts. When after-tax interest income grows tax-free, you’re getting the best of all possible worlds!
How do people add Israel Bonds to their RRSPS and TFSAs?
If you have a full-service account managed by your financial advisor, all you have to do is let them know that you want to put Israel Bonds in your account, and they will contact our office. We deal directly with your advisor and take care of the transaction.
Some of our clients do these RRSP and TFSA purchases through discount brokerages, and there’s a simple process of ordering your bonds that way – again, we’re here to help with that.
Thank you, Raquel – any closing words for our readers?
I want to wish everyone a Chanukah filled with warm family celebrations, peace, and good health. May we see all of our sisters and brothers in Israel safe, and ALL at home, in the coming year.
To purchase Israel Bonds, contact Phyllis D’Aguiar, City Director for Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg at 825-806-9563 or 403-701-9272.
Canada-Israel Securities, Limited (‘CISL’) is a broker-dealer that sells Israel Bonds. The content in this article was prepared by CISL and is presented here by The Alberta Jewish News as part of an advertising campaign for CISL. CISL is registered as an Exempt Market Dealer.
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