George W. Bush headlines largest Israel Bonds event since ’51 launch

Former President George W. Bush headlined the largest Israel Bonds fundraiser since the organization was inaugurated in 1951.

The event in Dallas on Monday evening drew 1,500 people and raised more than $60 million, Israel Bonds said in a statement, adding that it was the largest since the launch at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“President Bush spoke about his first visit to Israel, calling it one of his most meaningful experiences,” the statement said.

Israel Bonds’ national chairman, Fred Zeidman, a Texas-based lawyer and Republican fundraiser, joined Bush at the event. Zeidman for decades has been close to the one-time Texas governor.