Samuel Haralap: Harvard-Educated Business Leader and Philanthropist Transformed Israeli Car Market

Dr. Samuel Haralap, born in 1944, was a unique figure in Israeli business, combining academic rigor with entrepreneurial success and philanthropy. Holding a PhD from Harvard University, where he studied under renowned philosophers John Rawls and Robert Nozick, Haralap initially pursued an academic career before joining his family business, Carmobil, in the early 1980s. He gradually acquired control of the company, expanding it from a single luxury car importer to a major player in Israel’s automotive market, including brands like Mitsubishi and Hyundai. In recent years, he led the company’s strategic shift to include Chinese car brands JAC and Omoda, which quickly became top sellers in Israel.

Haralap was also an early investor in Mobileye, the autonomous vehicle technology firm, investing millions between 1999 and 2003. He retained nearly 10% of the company until its 2017 acquisition by Intel for over $15 billion, earning him about $1 billion before taxes. Despite his success, he remained modest, avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth and preferring to keep his philanthropic contributions anonymous.

Together with his wife Anat, Haralap engaged in extensive philanthropy for over two decades, supporting causes such as medical infrastructure and communities affected by conflict. Notable donations included 120 Mitsubishi vehicles to kibbutzim near Gaza after the October 7 attacks, $10 million to the Weizmann Institute for missile damage repairs, and approximately 600 million shekels to build the "Tower of Hope" at Beilinson Hospital, aimed at advancing heart and brain medicine and encouraging Israeli medical professionals to return home.

Haralap’s life was marked by a blend of intellectual curiosity, business acumen, and social commitment. He openly discussed his political views on wealth taxation, settlements, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, distinguishing himself from many Israeli business leaders. Known for his wit and philosophical references, he balanced his interests between business, intellect, and sports, maintaining privacy about his financial details while actively supporting Israel’s social and technological progress.

Samuel Haralap passed away leaving a legacy as a visionary businessman and dedicated philanthropist who shaped Israel’s automotive industry and contributed significantly to its society.