Tycoons
Eliezer Fishman, a prominent Israeli businessman, has played a significant role in the country's finance and real estate sectors. This article provides an in-depth look at his life, career, and impact on various industries.
Chaim Sivan's life story is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve in the shadows to protect their homeland. His contributions to Israel's intelligence and defense efforts have left an enduring legacy, shaping the nation's security apparatus and reinforcing its commitment to the principles of justice and security.
Tad Aaronson's life story is a testament to the power of passion, education, and advocacy in the pursuit of environmental conservation. His efforts continue to inspire a new generation of environmental activists who carry on his mission to protect the Earth's precious ecosystems and biodiversity.
Roman Arkadievich Abramovich is a Russian-Israeli billionaire, oil tycoon, and business magnate, counted among the wealthiest Russian oligarchs. In 2021, Forbes ranked him with a personal fortune of $15.2 billion. Beyond his financial prowess, Abramovich gained international recognition for his ownership of the English football club, Chelsea.
Leonid Michelson's journey from a civil engineer to the CEO of Novatek, one of Russia's leading gas companies, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. His significant wealth and influence in the energy sector underscore his importance in the Russian business landscape and the global energy market. As Novatek continues to expand its presence in the LNG industry, Michelson's role in shaping the future…
Igor Valeriyovych Kolomoisky, born on February 13, 1963, is a prominent Ukrainian businessman of Jewish descent and an oligarch. He was ranked 57th on Israel's "TheMarker" list of the 500 wealthiest individuals in 2020, with an estimated net worth of billions of dollars.
Gennadiy Bogolyubov, born in 1962 to a non-traditional Jewish family, embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become one of Ukraine's wealthiest businessmen. He obtained his education at the Institute of Engineering and Construction in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine.
Michail Chernoy, born on January 16, 1952, is a Russian-Israeli businessman and oligarch. His life story is marked by a journey that spans multiple countries and industries, reflecting his transformation from modest beginnings to becoming a key figure in the world of business and finance.
Arkadi Alexandrovich Gaidamak, also known by his Hebrew name Arieh Bar-Lev, was born on April 8, 1951. He is a Jewish businessman and arms dealer originally from Russia, holding citizenship in Israel, Canada, Russia, and France, along with a diplomatic passport from Angola. His estimated wealth in 2007 ranged from $700 million to $4 billion, but due to lawsuits, failed investments, and the global economic crisis of 2008, his…
Vladimir Gusinsky, born on October 6, 1952, is a Russian-Israeli Jewish tycoon and entrepreneur renowned for founding the Media-Most conglomerate. He is known for his ownership of the independent NTV channel, the newspaper Sevodnia, the radio station Echo of Moscow, and several magazines. He also holds Spanish citizenship.
Leonid Nevzlin's life has been a remarkable journey from a software engineer in Moscow to a prominent figure in Russian business and politics, and ultimately, a philanthropist and opposition figure in Israel. His dedication to Jewish education, culture, and history has left a lasting impact on the Jewish community worldwide. While his life has been marked by controversy and legal battles, he remains a significant and influent…
Vadim Zinovyevich Rabynovich's life journey has been marked by a remarkable transformation, from a troubled past in the former Soviet Union to a prominent figure in Ukrainian-Jewish communities and international business.
Valery Kogan, born in 1951, is a Russian businessman and oligarch who also spends a significant portion of his time in Israel. In 2014, Kogan was ranked 687th on Forbes' list of billionaires, with an estimated net worth of approximately $2.5 billion.
Meshulam (Zosha) Riklis (December 2, 1923 – January 25, 2019) was an Israeli-American businessman.
Teddy Sagi, born in 1971, is an Israeli-Cypriot businessman known for his diverse range of ventures spanning across various industries, including real estate, high-tech, fintech, finance, and electronic commerce. His personal wealth is estimated at approximately $5.2 billion, and he is the founder of companies like "Playtech" and "SafeCharge," as well as the owner of Camden Market in London.
Benny Steinmetz, born in 1956, is an Israeli-French businessman with an estimated net worth of around $1.1 billion as of November 2019. He has faced legal issues and investigations in Romania and Switzerland.
Dan Gertler's life and business career are marked by extraordinary success and controversy. As a diamond tycoon, his ventures have spanned continents and generated significant wealth. However, allegations of corruption, exploitation, and sanctions have clouded his legacy, making him a figure of intense scrutiny in both the business and political worlds. Gertler's ability to navigate these challenges and continue his business…
Larry Ellison is a prominent American-Jewish businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation, one of the world's largest software companies.
Len Blavatnik's journey from the Soviet Union to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain is a testament to his business acumen and strategic investments in a wide range of industries. From petrochemicals to media, Blavatnik's ventures have made a significant impact on both the business world and philanthropy. His influence extends beyond borders, and his achievements have solidified his position as a prominent f…
Patrick Drahi's remarkable journey from Morocco to France and his ascent to business prominence as an Israeli-French entrepreneur is a testament to his acumen and determination.
Ron Lauder's life and career have been marked by his diverse interests and accomplishments, spanning the worlds of business, politics, art, philanthropy, and Jewish leadership. As a scion of the Estée Lauder Companies, he initially made his mark in the cosmetics industry before branching out into diplomacy and politics, serving as a U.S. Ambassador and being actively involved in Jewish causes and organizations.
Leslie Herbert Wexner, born on September 8, 1937, is a Jewish-American philanthropist and businessman, as well as the founder of The Wexner Foundation.
Edgar Bronfman's life was marked by his dedication to Jewish causes, philanthropy, and his leadership within the World Jewish Congress. He played a significant role in advocating for the rights and welfare of Jewish people worldwide, making a lasting impact on Jewish identity and education.
Charles Bronfman's life has been characterized by his significant wealth, philanthropic endeavors, and his commitment to strengthening Jewish identity and connections to Israel among Jewish communities worldwide. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Jewish education and continuity.
The Kadoorie family, known as "خضوري" in Arabic, is a wealthy British family originally hailing from the Middle East, specifically Baghdad. Since the mid-18th century, they have established themselves in Bombay (now Mumbai) and become one of Asia's affluent families. In the mid-19th century, their business ventures centered on Shanghai, and from 1949 onwards, they have been active in Hong Kong.
The Sasson family, also known as "the Rothschilds of the East," is a prominent Jewish dynasty of Baghdadi origin. Their commercial and financial networks played a significant role in facilitating trade between the British Empire, India, and the Far East during the zenith of the British Imperial era. The family is renowned for their immense wealth, estimated in the billions of dollars, and their extensive philanthropic activit…
Sheldon Gary Adelson, born in 1933, rose from a humble beginning in Boston to become one of the world's wealthiest individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the global business landscape and the Jewish community.
Eyal Ofer, a name synonymous with entrepreneurial insight and compassionate giving, is a towering figure in the realms of global shipping, real estate, and finance. His journey intertwines the spirit of innovation with a commitment to the enrichment of Jewish culture and heritage.
In the world of technology and philanthropy, few names shine as brightly as Michael Dell's. This documentary explores the remarkable biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions of Michael Dell to both the Jewish community and the world at large.
In the world of music, there are artists who create beautiful melodies, and then there are those who use their music to bridge cultures, celebrate diversity, and leave an indelible mark on their heritage. This is the story of Idan Raichel, a musician, composer, and cultural ambassador whose unique blend of world music has resonated with the Jewish community and the world.
In a world marked by determination and vision, there are individuals who emerge as pillars of strength, leaving an indelible mark on their communities and heritage. This is the story of Motty Zisser, a visionary philanthropist and community leader who has dedicated his life to shaping the Jewish community and building a legacy of compassion and generosity.
Leonid Nevzlin's biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions stand as an inspiring example of one person's ability to transform adversity into meaningful action and bring hope to those in need.
Shaul Eisenberg's biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions stand as a testament to the enduring strength and vitality of the Jewish community and heritage.
Roman Abramovich's biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions stand as a testament to the enduring strength and vitality of the Jewish community and its cherished heritage.
Shem Zell's extraordinary journey of biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on Jewish heritage and the Jewish community.
Israel Polack's remarkable journey of biography, heritage, legacy, and contributions epitomizes the profound effect one individual can have on Jewish heritage and the Jewish community.
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is known for his leadership as the three-term mayor of New York City, where he helped the city recover and thrive after the 9/11 attacks. He founded Bloomberg LP, turning it into a global leader in financial data services, especially with the iconic Bloomberg Terminal. (February 14, 1942)
Lloyd Blankfein led Goldman Sachs through the 2008 financial crisis, transforming the firm into a bank holding company to gain access to Federal Reserve credit. His leadership was recognized when he was named 2009 Person of the Year by the Financial Times (September 20, 1954)
Larry Fink co-founded BlackRock in 1988, leading it to become the world’s largest investment management firm, overseeing more assets than any other company globally. ()
Henry Kravis co-founded KKR in 1976, helping shape the global investment firm’s success over decades. He has served as Co-Executive Chairman and was previously Co-CEO, guiding significant investments and serving on various high-profile boards and educational institutions. (January 6, 1944)
Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of Blackstone, has played a pivotal role in growing his company into one of the world’s leading investment firms, with an estimated worth of $35 billion. (February 14, 1947)
Michael Milken is credited with revolutionizing the junk bond market, contributing to the financial boom of the 1980s. (July 4, 1946)
James Simons achieved great success as a mathematician and hedge fund manager, founding Renaissance Technologies and earning billions in the process. He was also instrumental in cracking codes for the US Department of Defense during the Vietnam War. ()
Marcus Goldman co-founded Goldman Sachs and introduced efficient commercial paper transactions, laying the groundwork for the firm's success. (December 9, 1821 – July 20, 1904)
Carl Laemmle, one of the founders of Universal Studios, played a key role in the early film industry, founding Universal Film Manufacturing Company. He is also noted for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his work in helping Jews escape Nazi Germany, including his attempts to assist those on the MS St. Louis, a ship carrying refugees denied entry into Cuba, the U.S., and Canada. (January 17, 1867 – September 24, 1939)
William Fox was a pioneering figure in the film industry, founding Fox Film Corporation in 1915, which later became Twentieth Century-Fox. He is credited with introducing organ accompaniment in silent films and creating Movietone News, the first commercially successful sound film series. ( January 1, 1879 – May 8, 1952)
Adolph Zukor founded Paramount Pictures and revolutionized the film industry by creating the first company to produce, distribute, and exhibit films in its own theaters. Known as the "Napoleon of motion pictures," he signed some of Hollywood's earliest stars and led Paramount through both its growth and bankruptcy, playing a pivotal role in its recovery. (January 7, 1873 – June 10, 1976)
Sheryl Sandberg was a former Vice President of Google and the current COO of Facebook ranked on Forbes' "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" four years in a row. She was named the fifth most influential Jew by the Jerusalem Post in 2012 and was also featured in the "Time 100" in the same year. (August 28, 1969)
Eli Broad co-founded Kaufman and Broad and later became a leading philanthropist, donating extensively to the arts, science, and education. He was awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 2016 and received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship in 2011 for his contributions to both business and charitable causes. (June 6, 1933 – April 30, 2021)
Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies. (March 19, 1933)
Haim Saban achieved international recognition for founding Saban Entertainment, where he helped popularize the Power Rangers franchise and played a key role in the creation of Fox Kids Worldwide. In addition, Saban was named the most important television producer by Gentlemen's Quarterly in 2004 ( October 15, 1944)
Carl Icahn is the founder of Icahn Enterprises and has held significant positions in various companies, such as RJR Nabisco, Texaco, and Apple. Icahn also made a $200 million donation to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2012 and established seven Icahn Charter Schools in the Bronx. He also served as a special adviser to President Trump on regulatory reform. (February 16, 1936)
Richard Sachs, renowned for his custom-made bicycles, is recognized for his long-lasting success in frame building. (February 14, 1953)
Miriam Adelson, a physician specializing in drug addiction, co-founded the Adelson Research Clinic. She has been a key figure in advancing addiction treatment, having treated thousands of patients at clinics in Las Vegas and Tel Aviv. (October 10, 1945)
Stephen Schwarzman is the CEO of Blackstone, a global investment firm with an estimated net worth of $35 billion. He has been recognized for his significant philanthropic contributions, including a $10 million donation to the National Library of Israel. (February 14, 1947)
Mark Cuban sold of Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for $5.9 billion, and successfully own of the Dallas Mavericks, which won the NBA championship in 2011. Additionally, Cuban has been a regular investor on the show Shark Tank since 2010 and has authored a book, How to Win at the Sport of Business. (July 31, 1958)
Arianna Huffington is the founder of Thrive Global and The co-founder Huffington Post, and the author of 15 books, including Thrive and The Sleep Revolution. She has been named to Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people and the Forbes Most Powerful Women list. (July 15, 1950 )
Jonah Peretti was the CEO and Chairman of BuzzFeed, that led the company since its formation in 2006. He also co-founded The Huffington Post and played a key role in its success before its sale to AOL in 2011. (January 1, 1974)
David Geffen is the founder of Geffen Records, DGC Records, and a co-founder of DreamWorks and Asylum Records. In 2017, he made the largest donation in the history of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, pledging $150 million. (February 21, 1943)
Jeffrey Katzenberg was a key figure in transforming Disney into a $22 billion empire, overseeing successful animation projects like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. He also co-founded DreamWorks SKG, producing award-winning films like Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and Shrek. In 2012, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for hi…
Michael H. Steinhardt founded the Steinhardt Partners, a highly successful investment firm, and received multiple prestigious awards, including the "Genesis Prize" in 2012 for his contributions to Jewish cultural and educational causes. He also Michael Steinhardt co-founded Birthright Israel (December 7, 1940)
Joseph Safra was the wealthiest banker in the world, with a net worth of $23.2 billion at the time of his death. He led Banco Safra, one of Brazil's largest private banks, and was a major philanthropist supporting Jewish causes both in Brazil and globally. (1 September 1938 – 10 December 2020)
Dan Gilbert is the co-founder of Quicken Loans, the largest mortgage lender in the U.S., and the chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who won the NBA Championship in 2016. In 2020, he was honored with the Fred M. Butzel Award from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, for his contributions to the community. (January 17, 1962)
Adam Neumann is the founder of WeWork (April 25, 1979)
Shari Arison, a billionaire businesswoman, inherited her fortune from her father and became the largest shareholder in Israel's Bank HaPoalim and the country's top construction firm. In 2005, she was named one of the "200 Greatest Israelis," and by 2012, Forbes listed her as one of the world's top 100 most influential women. (September 9, 1957)
Ida Cohen Rosenthal co-founded Maidenform, Inc. and revolutionized the lingerie industry by creating the modern bra, leading the company to become the world’s most successful bra manufacturer. (January 9, 1886–March 28, 1973)