Dr. Nissim Levy: Bridging Science, Business, and Philanthropy
Author: Genesis BH Digital Team
Featured | Member Spotlight
Date: July 16, 2024
Genesis is proud to spotlight Dr. Nissim Levy, a distinguished new member of Genesis Business Humanity. Dr. Levy’s life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to societal betterment.
Dr. Nissim Levy’s impressive journey began in Haifa, Israel, where he completed his high school education at Hugim High School. He pursued higher education in chemistry at the Hebrew University and earned his doctorate from the Technion Institute of Technology.
His academic path led him to a postdoctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Kansas, which prepared him for a senior research position at NASA’s SETI Institute in San Francisco.
Transitioning from academia to the business world, Dr. Levy worked as a commodity trader in the chemical division of Clal Industries. Eventually, he moved to London and engaged in various business interests, including chemical trading, petroleum products, and real estate. His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision have been crucial in his diverse business endeavors.
Dr. Levy’s philanthropic activities are as significant as his professional achievements. He and his wife, Rina, have been long-time supporters of numerous charitable causes in Israel. One notable initiative is the Nissim and Rina Levy Periphery Scholarship Fund at Tel Aviv University, which provides scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This fund aims to bridge educational gaps and foster social mobility by supporting talented students from Israel’s geographic and economic periphery (Tel Aviv University) (The Jerusalem Post).
Dr. Levy has also been a generous supporter of Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and Yad Layeled, a boarding school and community center for disadvantaged children. His commitment to education and social welfare extends to his involvement with Hillel, a nonprofit organization that supports former Haredim transitioning into secular society (The Jerusalem Post).
Six years ago, Dr. Levy became president of Special Olympics Israel, a global organization founded by the Kennedy Shriver family that supports children and adults with intellectual disabilities; its goals include increased participation, youth empowerment, inclusive health and wellness, community engagement, and leadership development. With a dedicated team including former Israel Defense Minister and Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon, Dr. Levy has been instrumental in reviving, funding, and promoting Special Olympics Israel.
Recently, Dr. Levy was appointed the chairman of the Herzl Museum in Jerusalem. In this role, he continues to honor the legacy of Theodor Herzl, advocating for a secular, progressive Jewish state. Dr. Levy’s vision for the museum includes creating a space for exchanging ideas and extending Herzl’s vision into the 21st century (The Jerusalem Post).
Dr. Levy and his wife split their time between Herzliya, Israel, and Marbella, Spain. Their family includes three children, two of whom reside in Israel and one who practices medicine in London. Despite his busy professional and philanthropic schedule, Dr. Levy remains a passionate advocate for education and secularism, reflecting his lifelong commitment to these principles (The Jerusalem Post) (Tel Aviv University). Genesis Business Humanity is honored to have Dr. Nissim Levy among its members, and we look forward to witnessing his continued contributions to society and the Genesis community.
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Over the past 13 months, aid for those affected by the devastating October 7th attacks has poured into Israel in a variety of shapes and forms. Physical support, such as resources and donations, has been generously provided to alleviate the distress brought about by the gruesome assault. At the same time, millions around the world have contributed emotional support by keeping those afflicted in their thoughts, prayers, and blessings.