Arie Shenkar

Israeli industrialist (1877–1959)
Arie Shenkar
Born
אריה שנקר

(1877-12-26)26 December 1877
Spitzinitz, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)
Died27 March 1959(1959-03-27) (aged 81)
Tel Aviv, Israel
NationalityIsraeli
OccupationIndustrialist
Known forFounding the Manufacturers Association of Israel

Arie Shenkar (Hebrew: אריה שנקר; 26 December 1877 – 27 March 1959) was a pioneering Israeli industrialist and the founder of the Manufacturers Association of Israel. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Israel's modern industrial base.[1]

Early life and education

Arie Shenkar was born in Spitzinitz, Kiev Region, in the Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine), into a Hasidic Jewish family. His father was referred to as “Rebbe Shimon of Rozhin”. In his youth he was active in Zionist organizations in his city. He was educated in a traditional Cheder and continued his studies at a Gymnasium, where he demonstrated a talent for entrepreneurship.[2]

Career

Laying the cornerstone for the Shenkar Vocational School, with Shenkar delivering a speech (1945)

In 1924, Shenkar immigrated to Mandatory Palestine and immediately recognized the potential for industrial development in the nascent Yishuv. With a vision to reduce dependence on imports and promote self-sufficiency, Shenkar established textile factories, one of the first of their kind in the region, thus laying the foundation for Israel's future manufacturing sector.[1]

Arie Shenkar founded the Manufacturers Association of Israel (formerly the "Association of Industrialists"), in 1921. He served as the organization's first president from its inception in 1921 until his death in 1959.[1] Shenkar's leadership was key in uniting the country's fledgling industries under a single umbrella, fostering growth, and advocating for industrial interests at the government level.[2] Under his leadership, the organization grew and became a central institution in Israel's economic development.

He was dedicated to advancing the Israeli industrial sector, and his initiatives helped the country achieve a higher degree of economic independence. He supported the creation of industrial zones, encouraged investment in manufacturing, and emphasized the importance of innovation and quality. Throughout his career, he worked closely with government officials to create policies that would promote local production.[3]

Death and legacy

Arie Shenkar memorial plaque in Holon

Shenkar passed away on 27 March 1959 in Tel Aviv.[3] In recognition of his contributions, numerous streets in Israeli cities, including Herzliya, Holon, and Petah Tikva have been named in his honor.[4] Additionally, Shenkar College of Engineering and Design was named in his honor.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Arie Shenkar". Manufacturers' Association of Israel. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Shenkar, Arie". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Aryeh Shenkar, President of Israel's Manufacturers Assn., Dead". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 1959-10-06. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Street Names After Arie Shenkar". Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  • Arie Shenkar on Wikidata
  • Arie Shenkar in Encyclopedia.com
  • Hebrew Wikipedia article on Arie Shenkar