Israeli Businessman and Philanthropist Dr. Shmuel Haralaf Dies at 81

Dr. Shmuel Haralaf, a prominent Israeli businessman, industrialist, and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 81 at his home surrounded by family. He was the chairman of Cal-Mobil, Israel's largest car import group, and one of the earliest investors in Mobileye, a leading Israeli high-tech company specializing in AI and transportation safety. Born in 1944, Haralaf held a PhD in philosophy from Harvard University and degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he also taught in the late 1970s.

Haralaf joined his family business in the early 1980s, initially working alongside his brother Yoav and later with his son Asaf. Under his active leadership, Cal-Mobil grew to represent major global car brands and expanded into energy, recycling, and real estate sectors. His early investment in Mobileye was a defining moment, linking transportation with artificial intelligence and safety, contributing to one of Israel's biggest high-tech successes.

Together with his wife Anat, Haralaf was known for his extraordinary philanthropy. They donated approximately 600 million shekels to Beilinson Hospital to establish the "Tower of Hope" for heart and brain medicine, the largest single donation ever made to Israel's healthcare system, which they chose not to name after themselves. Additionally, they contributed $10 million to the Weizmann Institute of Science to restore laboratories and campus facilities damaged by missile attacks.

Beyond business and philanthropy, Haralaf was a prolific writer on economics, society, and technology and maintained an active competitive sports lifestyle. He completed three full marathons, beginning with New York at age 60, and represented Israel in the European rowing championships. Haralaf is survived by his wife, two children, and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced separately.