A statement issued by the Treasury noted that “Israel bonds are an attractive investment option for state and municipal public funds because they are dependable and yield a competitive interest rate.” The statement also observed that the record Israel bond investment “was consistent with Treasurer Mandel’s focus on a safe and prudent investment strategy.”

In applauding the Ohio purchase, Israel Bonds President & CEO Izzy Tapoohi said, “The Bonds organization appreciates Treasurer Mandel’s historic investment, which highlights the resilience of Israel’s economy and underscores the value of acquiring Israel bonds for financial portfolios.”

Michael Siegal of Cleveland, immediate past chairman of the board of Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, expressed pride in the fact that “with this significant investment, Ohio has clearly declared its support for Israel and confidence in its economy.”

To date more than 80 state and municipal governments have invested over $2 billion in Israel bonds.