Neuwirth, Mazzie, Danieley Lead SPOTLIGHT ON ISRAEL BONDS June 13

The 60th anniversary of State of Israel Bonds will be commemorated at a gala evening of celebration and pageantry on Monday, June 13 at 6 p.m. at New York's Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway. The event is being held under the auspices of the labor and entertainment divisions of the New York Israel Bonds campaign.

Highlighting the gala will be the honoring of Denis Hughes, president of the 2.5 million member New York State AFL-CIO.

Israel Bonds President and CEO Joshua Matza said, "It is a true privilege to honor President Hughes in association with our organization's 60th anniversary. The American labor movement has been a steadfast supporter of Israel Bonds from the very beginning, and we are proud to emphasize, and embrace, this strong, positive relationship."

Another prominent labor leader, Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, is chairing the evening. Appelbaum was honored by Israel Bonds in 2008.

The celebratory evening will feature comedian Elan Gold, who, in addition to performing a standup routine, will act as master of ceremonies. The gala will culminate with several performances including Tony & Emmy Award winning triple threat, Bebe Neuwirth, currently starring on Broadway in The Addams Family. Neuwirth also starred in the musical Chicago and New York Israel Bonds Gala achieved global fame, for her role as Lilith Sternin on the iconic television comedy "Cheers."

Two other Broadway heavyweights will be on stage to join in the evening's celebration. Together, real life couple Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley were most recently seen on Broadway in the Pulitzer Prize winning, Next to Normal. Marin's other Broadway credits include Spamalot, Kiss Me Kate, Ragtime, Passion and Man of La Mancha. Jason's credits include Curtains, Candide and The Full Monty. After the great success of their concert/album Opposite You, their new show He Said/She Said made its New York City debut this month.

The Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds was officially launched on May 10, 1951 by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion at a Madison Square Garden rally. Over the ensuing six decades, the organization has secured more than $32 billion dollars in worldwide sales and is widely recognized as a primary catalyst for Israel's rapid evolution from struggling agrarian nation to global economic powerhouse.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has called the creation of Israel Bonds "a vital chapter in Israel's history."

For additional information on the gala please contact David Pasternack, Executive Director Israel Bonds Greater New York at 212-44-5857

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski