Billionaire Shmuel Harlap

Overview

Shmuel Harlap is a billionaire businessman from Israel who has made his fortune in various sectors, including shipping, real estate, and telecommunications. He is the founder and chairman of the Harlap Group, a conglomerate that has interests in several companies across different industries. According to Forbes, Harlap has a net worth of $5.5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in Israel.

Early Life and Education

Shmuel Harlap was born in 1943 in Tel Aviv, Israel. His parents were immigrants from Poland who had settled in Israel before the state was established. Harlap grew up in a modest neighborhood and attended a local high school. After completing his military service in the Israeli army, he enrolled at Tel Aviv University and studied economics and business administration.

Career and Achievements

After graduating from university, Shmuel Harlap started his career in the shipping industry. He founded his own shipping company, Zim Israel Navigation, which became one of the largest shipping companies in the world. Harlap later expanded his business interests to other sectors, including real estate and telecommunications.

One of Harlap’s most notable achievements was the acquisition of Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications company. In 2005, Harlap’s company, Bcom Group, bought a controlling stake in Bezeq for $972 million. The acquisition was controversial at the time, as some critics accused Harlap of using his political connections to secure the deal.

In addition to his business ventures, Shmuel Harlap is also a philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health, and social welfare.

Personal Life

Shmuel Harlap is married and has three children. He is known for his love of art and has a large collection of paintings and sculptures.

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