From Ventilation Systems to Billionaire: Rami Ungar's Business Empire

Businessman Rami Ungar is celebrating his birthday, marking a career that began with importing ventilation systems for chicken coops and evolved into an international empire spanning automotive, shipping, and real estate, with business activities valued in the billions of shekels. Ungar, whose personal wealth is estimated at approximately $4 billion, has become one of Israel's most prominent and wealthiest business figures.

Ungar's business journey started in the late 1960s with a modest venture in agricultural ventilation. He later identified opportunities in the automotive sector, importing Italian brands like Autobianchi and Lancia, and in the 1980s, he was involved with Daihatsu imports. By the end of that decade, he gained control of Talcar, which became a major force in the Israeli auto industry. A significant turning point occurred in 2008 when Talcar secured the franchise for importing South Korean Kia vehicles into Israel, a move that greatly contributed to Ungar's financial standing, despite a protracted legal dispute with the previous Kia importer, Michael Levi, which concluded in Ungar's favor in 2021.

Beyond the automotive industry, Ungar is a major player in international maritime transport through his company Ray Shipping. His fleet, which has included over 60 vessels, specializes in transporting vehicles globally. In August 2026, Ray Shipping placed an order for over $1 billion worth of new ships in China, with deliveries expected by 2029. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for vehicle shipping services driven by increased car exports from China. Ungar has also explored broadening his shipping activities, including a reported attempt with Zim CEO Eli Glickman to acquire control of the Israeli shipping company Zim.

Ungar's business interests also extend to real estate, with investments in Israel, Eastern Europe, and the United States. He is a co-founder of the real estate fund F.I.R. In 2021, he reportedly purchased land in Herzliya Pituah for approximately 105 million shekels. A significant real estate move was Talcar's acquisition of a substantial stake in the publicly traded company Vitania, amounting to 63.63% by October 2026, valued at around 458 million shekels, making Ungar the controlling shareholder, though the investment has faced market volatility.

A dramatic event linked to Ungar's businesses occurred in November 2023 when Houthi militants seized the "Galaxy Leader," a car carrier associated with his shipping operations, in the Red Sea. The crew of 25 was held captive until their release in January 2025. The ship became a propaganda symbol for the Houthis and was later targeted by the Israeli Air Force in July 2025 due to its alleged use for surveillance by the Houthis.

Despite his vast business influence, Ungar maintains a low public profile. He is married to Yael Ungar, a lawyer, and they have three children. Ungar is also known for his significant philanthropic contributions to medical, educational, and cultural institutions, including Ichilov Medical Center, Barzilai Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, and the Israel Museum. His name has also been linked to several public and political controversies, including payments made to former President Ezer Weizman in the 1980s, which contributed to Weizman's resignation, and allegations related to Shula Zaken, former chief of staff to Ehud Olmert, which Ungar denied. He also provided a loan to businessman Nachi Dankner.

Currently, Ungar continues to make substantial moves, such as the new ship orders and expanding his control in Vitania, demonstrating his ongoing ambition to grow his business ventures far beyond the automotive sector for which he is widely known in Israel.