Young Haredi Real Estate Entrepreneur Ezra Ungar Nears Acquisition of Israeli Airline Arkia

Ezra Ungar, a 36-year-old successful Haredi real estate entrepreneur from Borough Park, Brooklyn, is in advanced negotiations to acquire the Israeli airline Arkia. Ungar, a Hasidic scholar affiliated with Vizhnitz and Bobov 45, grew up in Monsey, New York, and studied in the Vizhnitz Kiryas Kamysha yeshiva. After marrying the daughter of Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Frenkel of Rimanov, he initially settled in Jerusalem before building a thriving real estate career in New York.

Ungar’s business journey began humbly when he sold baked goods to yeshiva students to support his family. He later transitioned into real estate brokerage, raising capital from early investors, and quickly rose to prominence with major deals in the New York market. According to close associates, Ungar’s motivation to purchase Arkia stems from his deep concern over widespread Sabbath desecration in Israeli aviation. He aims to establish a fully Shabbat-observant alternative airline.

If the acquisition is completed, Arkia would become the world’s second-largest Haredi airline after Challenge Airlines, owned by Belgian magnate Rabbi Itzik Fluck. Details regarding the purchase price and operational plans to maintain strict Sabbath observance remain confidential as negotiations continue. Arkia declined to comment on the potential sale.

This potential deal marks a significant development in both the Israeli aviation sector and the global Haredi business community, highlighting a unique blend of religious values and commercial ambition.