Yoav Ben-Shushan, Israel Bonds

Yoav Ben-Shushan was born in Haifa and raised on a kibbutz in northern Israel, where he grew up surrounded by the rhythms of communal life, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. He once imagined a life devoted to agriculture, but destiny had other plans.

Today, Yoav lives in Mill Valley, where he serves as Executive Director of Israel Bonds, channeling his lifelong love for Israel into a mission that empowers others to strengthen the nation through investment. After 24 years in the Bay Area, he’s built a home with his wife and two children here, trading tractors for surfboards but never trading his passion for Israel.

Yoav’s path to California was unexpected. After serving in the IDF and earning his degree, he set off to explore Southeast Asia. A chance encounter led him to the Bay Area, where his career flourished in commercial real estate and venture capital, helping Israeli tech startups find their footing in Silicon Valley.

Everything changed after October 7, 2023. Yoav was vacationing in Israel with his family during the attacks, and he sent his wife and children home to the States. But he stayed behind to volunteer with Brothers & Sisters for Israel, coordinating aid for displaced families and communities.

“I felt a deep responsibility to get under the stretcher, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my people in a real, tangible way.”

That sense of purpose guided his next step. When Yoav returned to California, he joined Israel Bonds, an organization that transforms solidarity into action. Through Israel Bonds, Americans invest directly in Israel’s strength and resilience—not as charity, but as partnership. Each bond supports Israel’s growth while providing returns to investors, embodying a powerful statement of trust and unity.

“Our mission is to connect hearts and capital. Every Israel bond purchased tells a story of belief—in Israel’s innovation, in its people, and in the unbreakable link between Jewish communities everywhere.”

Yoav is especially passionate about engaging young Jewish Americans. He recognizes that many wrestle with political disagreements, yet he wants millennials and Gen Z to see the Israel he knows: a country of creativity, courage, and contribution, from lifesaving medical breakthroughs to humanitarian aid across the globe. Through dynamic events and heartfelt storytelling, Yoav brings Israel’s innovation to life and inspires a renewed sense of pride and connection.

Under his leadership, Israel Bonds continues to partner with organizations such as Hebrew Free Loan. Our Business Circle fosters networking among professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to supporting the Jewish community. Yoav values the collaboration, which brings him into contact with others who share his commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

“The relationships developed through the Business Circle help us remember that we’re part of something larger—that together, we can build both a stronger Israel and a more connected community.”

For Yoav, every day at Israel Bonds is a continuation of the early kibbutz spirit he grew up with: building, sharing, and believing in something bigger than himself.