May 10, 1951
David Ben-Gurion launches The Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds at a Madison Square Garden Gala. The corporation is established to float a bond issue to bolster Israel’s fledgling economy. First year sales total $52.6 million. Throughout the ensuing decades, the sale of Israel bonds becomes a global enterprise, fulfilling Ben-Gurion’s vision of a strong economic partnership between Israel and its supporters the world over.