Protesters chant outside Israel Bonds gala

Protesters were in force Monday night as the State of Israel Bonds, a prominent charity for real estate folks, celebrated its 60th anniversary honoring Denis Hughes, president of the New York State AFL-CIO.

Kent Swig, president of Swig Equities and chairman emeritus of Israel State Bonds, was on hand to help the auction of bonds as guests had pledges ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.

The evening began as protesters outside Gotham Hall, at 1356 Broadway, objected to using state-controlled pension funds to buy Israel Bonds.

Inside, attendees were entertained by Broadway stars. Bebe Neuwirth, who’s playing Morticia in the Addams Family, performed several songs. So did Broadway actress Rachel York (best-known for her role as Fantine in “Les Miserables”) and husband and wife team — Marin Mazzie (“Kiss Me Kate”) and Jason Daniely (“The Full Monty”). In addition, comic Elon Gold, who bills himself as a Jewish Jerry Seinfeld, performed.

The State of Israel Bonds is an arm of the Development Corporation of Israel that raises money for capital improvements in Israel by issuing investment bonds, with worldwide sales exceeding $32 billion.  
— Marc Becker