Invest Israel

“Technology companies and global investors are beating a path to    Israel, and finding unique combinations of audacity, creativity and drive everywhere they look.” – from Start-up Nation, the bestselling book by Dan Senor and Saul Singer.

With the continued growth and success of the Israeli economy and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, Richmond Jewish Foundation (RJF) made its first  investment in the newly created I² (Invest Israel) Fund. “The Invest Israel option offers RJF a way to show our pride in the State of Israel by participating in the dynamic growth of the Israeli economy,” said RJF Chairman, Stuart Cantor. Cantor added that, “New and existing donors can now recommend that up to 5% of their funds be invested in the Invest Israel portfolio with a minimum investment of $1800. This includes donor advised funds, agency funds, special purpose and field of interest funds.”

According to Adam Ploktin, RJF Investment Chairman, “Our board and investment committee feel very strongly about our Jewish heritage and connection to Eretz Yisrael, and we have for some time been discussing the optimal way to ensure that like-minded charitable individuals, families and other foundations might have an opportunity to express those beliefs with their charitable dollars. In conjunction with Glenmede, the RJF investment committee and executive committee worked to structure a prudent investment option for both the RJF Genesis Fund and other investors who appreciate the opportunity and the longer term risks and potential.  We now have such an investment – a balanced approach withIsraelonly investments in stocks, bonds and private equity as well.  I’m very proud of the process we have undertaken, but am especially proud that RJF is leading the way for anyone so inclined.”

Israelis one of the most successful countries in theMiddle Eastand the world. In just a few decades,Israelhas transformed itself from an agriculture based economy to a hi-tech powerhouse with leadership positions in software engineering, computer component manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. This vibrant economy offers many excellent opportunities for investors. Widely praised as a “start-up nation”,Israelhas the highest number of companies listed on the NASDAQ afterCanadaand theUSand the highest level of venture capital as a share of GDP.

With the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) recently setting record high levels and natural gas discoveries off Israel’s shores capturing investor interest around the world, Israel’s economy is well suited to continue its upward. Additionally, Israel was recently reclassified as a developed market from an emerging market which opens up Israel to a broader range of potential new investors and flows of capital.