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Sammy Ofer, an Israeli shipping magnate and philanthropist born Shmuel Herskovich in 1922 in Romania, made a significant mark in the global shipping industry and philanthropy before his death in 2011. After immigrating to the British Mandate of Palestine and serving in both the British Royal Navy and the Israeli Sea Corps, Ofer expanded his career into shipping, co-owning one of the world's largest private shipping companies. His ventures included major firms like ZIM and Royal Caribbean International, amassing a fortune estimated at $10.3 billion. Ofer's philanthropic efforts were notable, including substantial donations to London's National Maritime Museum and the Rambam Health Care Campus in Israel. His legacy continues through contributions like the Sammy Ofer Centre at London Business School, funded by his son Idan, and the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa.
January 01, 1922 in Galati, Romania
June 03, 2011 (aged 89)
Shipping
Logistics
Israel
Aviva Ofer
Eyal Ofer, Idan Ofer
Shmuel Herskovich, later known as Sammy Ofer, was born in 1922 in Galați, Romania, to a Jewish family. In 1924, the family immigrated to the British Mandate of Palestine and settled in Haifa. During World War II, Ofer enlisted in the British Royal Navy and later served in the Israeli Sea Corps during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Sammy Ofer & family: Family
Sammy Ofer was married to Aviva Ofer, and they had two sons together: Idan and Eyal. The family primarily resided in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Sammy Ofer & family: Career Highlights
After his military service, Ofer became a shipping agent with the Eastern Conglomerate. By 1950, he had purchased his first ship and began expanding his shipping business. Together with his brother Yuli, Ofer co-owned one of the largest private shipping companies in the world. Their companies included ZIM, Royal Caribbean International, Israel Corporation, Israel Chemicals, Oil Refineries Ltd, Bank Mizrahi-Tfahot, and Tower Semiconductor.
Sammy Ofer & family: Companies
Sammy Ofer and his brother Yuli were involved in various companies, including:
Sammy Ofer & family: Major Achievements
Sammy Ofer's major achievements include building one of the largest private shipping companies in the world, amassing an estimated fortune of $10.3 billion (with his brother Yuli) in 2011, and ranking as the 79th wealthiest person globally and the wealthiest in Israel.
Sammy Ofer & family: Awards & Achievements
In 2008, Sammy Ofer was knighted as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his significant contributions to UK maritime heritage. He also received numerous other awards and recognitions throughout his career.
Sammy Ofer & family: Personal Life & Legacy
Sammy Ofer passed away at the age of 89 in his Tel Aviv home on 3 June 2011. In his honor, his son Idan Ofer donated £25 million to London Business School, establishing the Sammy Ofer Centre.
Additionally, the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, Israel, is named after him and was partially funded by him.
Sammy Ofer & family: Trivia
Sammy Ofer was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the maritime and healthcare sectors. He made significant donations to the National Maritime Museum in London and the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel.
Born Shmuel Herskovich in Galați, Romania.
Immigrated to the British Mandate of Palestine.
Served in the Israeli Sea Corps during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Bought his first ship and expanded in the shipping business.
Donated £20 million to London's National Maritime Museum (NMM) and knighted as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Contributed £3.3 million to restore the Cutty Sark.
Passed away at the age of 89 in his Tel Aviv home.
Enabled the NMM to acquire two George Stubbs paintings of Australian animals.
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