New Israel Bonds National Chairman Fred Zeidman, a leading Texas private equity investor and prominent national Jewish leader, formally opens the 2011 Israel Bonds campaign at a gala dinner held recently in Boca Raton, Florida. Photo: Robbie Cohen.

“I proudly accept this vital new responsibility, and hope to utilize my passion for Israel and belief in the greatness of its people to help the Bonds organization attain new levels of achievement,” said Fred S. Zeidman, the newly named national chairman of State of Israel Bonds.  The appointment of Zeidman was announced by State of Israel Bonds President and CEO Joshua Matza at its annual Gala in Boca Raton, Florida.

Matza noted that “Zeidman brings a wealth of experience and commitment to Israel Bonds.  He embodies the characteristics that define leadership:  distinction, dedication, responsibility and a profound sense of purpose.  He will be a great asset as we look to generate heightened economic support for Israel through the sale of Israel bonds.”

Zeidman is a prominent Texas private equity investor, and immediate past chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, an office to which he was appointed in 2002 by President George W. Bush. He has also served on the governing board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The new national Chairman has had a high-profile presence with Israel Bonds for a number of years, and was a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Texas statewide Israel Bonds campaign.  He has held major positions at the Jewish National Fund, the American Jewish Committee, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.

Development Corporation for State of Israel Bonds has been consistently praised by international ratings agencies Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, as well as the IMF.  In the United States, It offers securities issued by the government of Israel.  Israel has never defaulted and maintains a perfect record on payment of principal and interest on securities it has issued. Capital realized from the sale of bonds has been utilized to develop every facet of Israel’s economy.