Successful Israelis give back to their homeland

Over the years, Israel has become one of the world’s leading technology hubs. Sometimes called the Silicon Valley of the Middle East, Israel has enjoyed tremendous economic growth in part due to the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens. As a result of this continued growth and development, a new community of prosperous Israeli citizens has emerged, and with it, a new culture of Israeli-sponsored philanthropy.

Israel enjoyed its first high-tech boom in the late 1990s and then suffered the bursting of the high-tech bubble in 2000. Today, with a more mature business culture, Israel’s business sector is stronger than ever, innovating and creating products for international clients. markets. Some of Israel’s leading companies built from the ground up include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (reported net sales in 2009 reached 13.9 billion) and ICQ (recently acquired for $187.5 million per DST). Furthermore, it is not uncommon for successful Israeli start-ups that show promising market potential to be acquired by stronger market players in the US and Europe. Israeli companies such as Attenti (recently acquired by 3M for $230 million) and LabPixies (acquired by Google for $25 million in 2010) are examples of a growth cycle common to many Israeli companies.

Since its humble foundation in 1948, Israel has grown from a country of refugees to a developed country with a stable economic and social system. A considerable factor contributing to this transformation has been the generous philanthropic support of the US and European public and private sectors. However, in recent years a new generation of philanthropists has emerged within Israel: successful entrepreneurs, businessmen and women who have enjoyed great financial success, who are giving back to their homeland through social initiatives, diplomatic activities and donations.

One such Israeli entrepreneur who made his fortune in high-tech and today actively supports philanthropic activities is Avi Naor, formerly CEO of Amdocs. Appointed CEO in 1995, Naor led the company’s public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 1998. With his success, he also founded “Or Yarok,” a non-profit organization dedicated to improving highway safety. The organization was founded after the tragic death of Naor’s son and funds research initiatives, publishes reports and lobby to improve road safety in Israel. Together with his wife, Avi Naor later founded the “Oran Foundation”, an organization aimed at helping young people at risk.

Named by Forbes magazine as the richest woman in the Middle East, Shari Arison is one of the wealthiest citizens of Israel who also actively donates to a number of philanthropic initiatives. Shari Arison was born in the United States and grew up partly in the US and partly in Israel; she inherited two family businesses that today are estimated to be worth $3.4 billion. Arison is the President of The Ted Arison Family Foundation, which is involved in both monetary donations and sponsored non-profit organizations that give back to the community. The Ted Arison Family Foundation was founded by Shari Arison’s father in 1981 and is currently managed by Shari Arison. “Ruach Tova” and “Esencia de Vida” are two programs sponsored by the foundation that promote social transformation through personal growth. Arison says: “To achieve world peace, each of us has to achieve peace within himself and with his environment.”

Ronny Douek, another successful Israeli businessman and philanthropist, made his fortune in the shipping business. He also owns the largest vineyard in Israel, Arava Vineyards Ltd. With his experience and skill set, Douek began devoting his time and resources to creating various organizations dedicated to helping new immigrants adjust to their new environment in Israel. Philanthropic organizations founded by Douek include “Ach-Shav” and “Zionism 2000”. Douek’s philanthropy focuses primarily on the social needs of Israel’s weaker communities in need. His philanthropic work has also included government-sponsored activities, including his appointment to be the chairman of Israel’s National Anti-Drug Authority, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

Many Israeli philanthropists contribute their time, money, and managerial experience to help improve the quality of life for the citizens of Israel. Often his philanthropic activities converge in diplomacy. Arie Genger, an Israeli-American businessman achieved financial success in the United States through his work at Rapid-American Corporation. Following his successful business achievements in the United States, Genger wanted to give back to his home country and returned to Israel to work in the Israeli government. During this time, he was appointed to positions related to the economy and defense, and became the personal adviser to Ariel Sharon, who was Israel’s Defense Minister at the time. Later, when Sharon was prime minister, Genger was appointed to be his emissary at the White House. As an emissary, Genger was entrusted with sensitive information on behalf of Israel’s security. In addition to his government work, Genger also founded the First American Israeli Technology Fund (FAIT), which pioneered the method of raising investment funds to develop Israel’s economic potential. The main motivation for creating FAIT was to encourage philanthropy by investing in Israeli companies.

For Leon Recanati, philanthropy is a family tradition, beginning with his grandfather who came to Israel with a family fortune. “For me, giving is part of the structure of my being and of the family tradition,” says León Recanati, businessman and philanthropist. The Recanati family has been involved in philanthropic activities, from sponsoring the funding of school departments (business schools in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), to museums and medical facilities. Says Recanati: “I feel great satisfaction from being able to help a man who is in a difficult situation. It touches me deeply.”

With a population of 7.5 million, Israel is a small country with a diverse population. For years, Israel has been receiving generous donations from successful people living outside its borders. However, in recent years the number of donations has grown with the addition of prosperous Israelis looking to contribute in their own way. There are many successful Israeli citizens living both in Israel and abroad who have contributed large donations to philanthropic activities in Israel. These citizens come from diverse backgrounds and each has dedicated themselves to a wide spectrum of social causes. The one unifying factor across this diverse group is the willingness and dedication to give back and make Israel a better place.