Isaac Assa

Last updated
Isaac Assa
Born (1964-03-12) 12 March 1964 (age 60)
Occupation(s) Entrepreneur, consultant, philanthropist
Known for
  • CEO of Grupo Assa
  • Founder and President en ILAN
Spouse
Alicia Cojab
(m. 1986)
Children5
RelativesBenjamin Assa Duek (father)

Isaac Assa Farca (Tel Aviv, March 12, 1964) is a Mexican-Israeli entrepreneur who has worked in the textile, real estate, and cybersecurity sectors, as well as a consultant for companies and governments. [1] [2] [3]

He is the founder and president of ILAN Israel Latin American Network, an NGO that promotes innovation linked to Israel. [4] [5] [6]

Biography

Assa was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, but his family moved to Mexico before he turned one year old. His father was Benjamín Assa Duek, originally from Damascus, Syria, a tailor by trade and a soldier during the Israeli War of Independence. [7] [8]

Benjamín settled in Mexico in 1957. He later married Rebeca Farca Romano, Isaac's mother. Isaac grew up in Tecamachalco, State of Mexico. [9] [10] Isaac completed his primary and secondary education at the Colegio Hebreo Monte Sinaí. [11] [12]

Grupo Assa originated in 1963 when Benjamín Assa partnered with the Kalach and Warshow families to create Zentrix, the first textile company to introduce spandex in Mexico. In 1978, they acquired facilities in Atizapán de Zaragoza, incorporating warping, dyeing, and finishing processes into production. [13] At the age of 15, in 1979, Isaac began working at the group's new plant in Atizapán de Zaragoza, where he learned the company's operations from production to management. He was appointed plant director in 1984. He complemented his experience with studies at the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa. [11]

In 1984, the Group acquired the company Lartel, integrating the processes of manufacturing and exporting intimate apparel for brands such as Berlei, Playtex, Piorette, Olga, and Bally, among others. [13] [14]

In 1995, Assa moved to New York to establish the group's offices in the United States, which represents 90% of Zentrix's market, as a supplier to sportswear brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon. [11] [15]

Since 2010, he has been a member of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, serving as Mexico's representative on the international board. [16] [17]

Assa diversified his activities by founding several companies. In 2014, he established Akza, a business intelligence consultancy; [18] in 2019, Axterra, focused on real estate [19] and in 2020, ICE, dedicated to cybersecurity. [20] [11]

In 2018, he stepped down from executive positions in his companies to focus entirely on philanthropy, serving as the founder and president of ILAN. [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]

Assa was one of the driving forces behind “Sowing Life”, a flagship program of the Mexican government during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. [26] This program involved the planting of timber and fruit trees on more than one million hectares of national territory, with the participation of over 630,000 farmers. [27] [28]

In 2023, Isaac Assa donated an extensive mural, created by visual artist Julio Carrasco Bretón, which is located in the migration area of Ben Gurion Airport. [29] [30]

On July 20, 2024, Assa presented an ILAN award for political innovation to Argentine President Javier Milei. [31] [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atizapán de Zaragoza</span> Municipality in State of Mexico, Mexico

Atizapán de Zaragoza is a municipality, in State of Mexico in Mexico. The municipality covers an area of 91.07 km2. In 2010, the municipality had a total population of 489,937. At the west side of the city is the Zona Esmeralda district, considered one of the wealthiest in the State of Mexico and Greater Mexico City. The Valle Escondido and Chiluca country clubs are located here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ilan Stavans</span> American writer and academic

Ilan Stavans is an American writer and academic. He writes and speaks on American, Hispanic, and Jewish cultures. He is the author of Quixote (2015) and a contributor to the Norton Anthology of Latino Literature (2010). He was the host of the syndicated PBS show Conversations with Ilan Stavans, which ran from 2001 to 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lali Espósito</span> Argentine actress and singer (born 1991)

Mariana "Lali" Espósito is an Argentine singer, actress, dancer, and model. She began her career in 2003 in the children's telenovela Rincón de Luz. Espósito continued to build her acting and singing career with subsequent supporting roles in other telenovelas such as Floricienta and Chiquititas. However, it was her main role in the telenovela Casi Ángeles that really propelled her to fame, making her a household name in Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. From 2007 to 2012, she was a part of the popular teen pop band Teen Angels, which originated from the television series Casi Ángeles. The group was commercially successful and toured throughout Argentina and countries such as Israel, Spain, Italy, and Latin America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argentina–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

Argentina–Spain relations are the bilateral relations between the Argentine Republic and the Kingdom of Spain. Since a great portion of the immigrants to Argentina before the mid-19th century were of Spanish descent, the large majority of Argentines are at least partly of Spanish ancestry. Also, a significant part of the late-19th century/early-20th century immigrants to Argentina were Spaniards. Both nations are members of the Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argentina–Israel relations</span> Bilateral relations

Relations between Argentina and Israel began shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948, with the countries establishing diplomatic relations on 31 May 1949.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism</span>

The National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism was a state agency of the Government of Argentina which is charged with receiving complaints and pursuing charges against citizens accused of acts of discrimination or hatred. Created in 1995 by Federal Law 24515, INADI is considered one of Argentina's National human rights institutions. On 22 February 2024, the government of Javier Milei announced that it would close INADI permanently.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerardo Werthein</span> Argentine businessman and politician

Gerardo Werthein is an Argentine businessman and diplomat serving as the minister of foreign affairs, international trade and worship of Argentina since 30 October 2024. He previously served as the ambassador of Argentina to the United States from April to October 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julio Carrasco Bretón</span> Mexican artist

Julio Carrasco Bretón is a Mexican artist mostly dedicated to murals and canvas work. He invented a technique for creating murals which allows him to create panels in his workshop, and then stack them for transport to the assembly site. His educational background is in science and philosophy as well as art and the themes in his work, especially murals often reflect these themes. In addition to creating art, he has been active in cultural, artistic and copyright issues, involved in the founding of a number of organizations and involved in others additionally.

Tecamachalco is the common name for a State of Mexico suburban neighbourhood, colonia Lomas de Tecamachalco, which forms part of the city of Naucalpan, in Naucalpan and Huixquilucan municipalities, in the State of Mexico.

Colegio Hebreo Monte Sinaí A.C. is a Jewish private school in Colonia Vista Hermosa, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City. It serves preschool through senior high school.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria Villarruel</span> Vice President of Argentina since 2023

Victoria Eugenia Villarruel is an Argentine politician, lawyer, writer, and activist who has served as vice president of Argentina since 2023. Described as a conservative politician, she is the founder of the civil association Centro de Estudios Legales sobre el Terrorismo y sus Víctimas, which she has chaired since its inception. She was a member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies from 2021 to 2023. Villarruel belongs to the La Libertad Avanza political coalition. She has been accused of Argentine state terrorism denial by several media outlets and human rights organisations. Villarruel denies such accusations, maintaining that she does not support the National Reorganization Process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Javier Milei</span> President of Argentina since 2023

Javier Gerardo Milei is an Argentine politician and economist who has served as President of Argentina since December 2023. He has taught university courses and written on various aspects of economics and politics and also hosted radio programs on the subject. Milei’s libertarian views distinguish him within mainstream Argentine politics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Argentine general election</span>

General elections were held in Argentina on 22 October 2023 to elect the president, vice president, members of the National Congress, and the governors of most provinces. As no presidential candidate won a majority in the first round, a runoff was held on 19 November, in which Javier Milei defeated Sergio Massa to become President of Argentina. Incumbent president Alberto Fernández and incumbent vice president and former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, despite both being eligible for a second, consecutive term, did not seek re-election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Libertad Avanza</span> Argentine political coalition and party

La Libertad Avanza is a political coalition and party in Argentina. LLA was formed as an electoral alliance in 2021, and as a nationwide party in 2024. It has been described as far-right, with conservative and ultraconservative stances on social and cultural issues, and as right-wing libertarian or ultra-liberal on economic issues. Its first electoral participation was at the 2021 Argentine legislative election, obtaining the third place with 17% of the votes in the capital.

Events in the year 2023 in Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Political positions of Javier Milei</span> Views of the incumbent president of Argentina

Media outlets have variously referred to Javier Milei, who was elected president of Argentina in a run-off on November 19, 2023, as right-wing populist, right-wing libertarian and ultraconservative. Economically, they have described his positions as neoliberal and ultraliberal. Milei primarily identifies as a minarchist and liberal-libertarian, or classical liberal, while also aligning theoretically with anarcho-capitalism and paleolibertarianism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Presidency of Javier Milei</span> Argentine presidency since 2023

The presidency of Javier Milei began on 10 December 2023, when Javier Milei was sworn into office to a four-year term as the president of Argentina. Milei took office alongside vice president Victoria Villarruel following the La Libertad Avanza victory in the 2023 Argentine general election, with 55.65% of the vote in the second round against former economy minister Sergio Massa's 44.35%. Milei was elected with the highest total vote ever in Argentina and the highest percentage since 1973, amid the still ongoing 2018 Argentine monetary crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shimon Axel Wahnish</span> Argentinean rabbi and diplomat

Shimon Axel Wahnish is an Argentinean rabbi and diplomat. Since 2024, he has been Argentina's ambassador to Israel. For the major role that Wahnish played in fostering Argentian President Javier Milei's growing affinity and interest in Judaism, Wahnish has been called Milei's rabbi and spiritual advisor, even though Milei is not Jewish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mariano Caucino</span> Argentine diplomat (born 1976)

Mariano Agustín Caucino is an Argentine lawyer, historian, and diplomat. He graduated as a lawyer from the University of Buenos Aires (2001) and has specialized in the study of international relations.

References

  1. Klein, Svika (17 June 2022). "Israel Latin America Network (ILAN) expands to US, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala and other countries". The Jerusalem Post . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  2. "ILAN Founder Issac Assa on Strengthening Israel-Latin America Ties". B'nai B'rith . 18 August 2022. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  3. Winocur, Pablo (18 August 2022). "The Mexican-Israeli philanthropist promoting innovation who will award Javier Milei this Sunday". A24 (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  4. Chaves, Facundo (22 July 2024). "With Milei and special guests, the ILAN Foundation was launched in Argentina, promoting innovation through ties with Israel". Infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  5. "Israel Latin America Network expands to US, Central America". Technion – Israel Institute of Technology . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  6. Klein Leichman, Abigail (13 June 2022). "Israel Latin America Network expands to US, Central America". ISRAEL21c . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  7. Woolfson, Marion (1980). Prophets in Babylon: Jews in the Arab world. London: Faber and Faber. ISBN   9780571114580.
  8. "Synopsis". benjaminassa.com. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  9. ""It is more important to have a compass than a clock": the life of Benjamín Assa is depicted in a mural". Enlace Judío (in Spanish). 13 October 2021. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  10. Jerozolimski, Ana (20 February 2023). "With Mexican entrepreneur Isaac Assa, reflecting on the past and the commitment to a better future". Semanario Hebreo JAI (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  11. 1 2 3 4 González Gava, Marcos (6 September 2024). "Isaac Assa from the ILAN Foundation: "Argentina has a very bright future ahead."". Reporte Asia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  12. "Inauguration of the mural on the soccer fields". Colegio Hebreo Monte Sinaí (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  13. 1 2 "History". Grupo Industrial Assa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  14. Hirsch, James. "A Spandex Shortage And Industrial Intrigue". The New York Times . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  15. "Assatex". Assatex. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  16. "Impact Report 2019" (PDF). Peres Center . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  17. "International Board of Governors". Peres Center . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  18. "About us". Akza. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  19. "Assa Properties Reaches Settlement with City for Tenants' Alleged Airbnb Activity". Business Wire. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  20. "About us". ICE (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  21. "Israel Latin America Network (ILAN) expands to US, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala and other countries". The Jerusalem Post . 17 June 2022. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  22. "Israel, Argentina, sign innovative software agreement". Israel National News . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  23. "Israel Latin America Network expands". Israel Hayom . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  24. "ILAN Mexico Founder Meets with Israeli Prime Minister to Continue Building Bilateral Ties and Support". Cision . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  25. Mafud, Laura. "Isaac Assa Farca from the ILAN Foundation: "Argentina has everything it needs to become an innovative country"". Forbes (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  26. Hogewoning, Jan (11 April 2020). "Israeli Technology for Sembrando Vida". Mexico Business. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  27. "Presentation of the Sowing Life program expands opportunities for collaboration with the United States". Government of Mexico. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  28. "Sembrando Vida: Mexico's agriculture scheme pitched as migration solution". Dialogue Earth. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  29. "Giant mural at Ben-Gurion Airport tells the story of the Jewish people". Jews News Syndicate. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  30. Kempinski, Yoni. "ILAN founder describes '4,000-year-old family album' in Ben Gurion Airport". Israel National News . Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  31. "Argentinian President Javier Milei receives ILAN's first Innovation in Politics Award". The Jerusalem Post . 23 July 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  32. "Words from the President of the Nation, Javier Milei, after receiving the Political Innovation Award, presented by the Ilan Foundation". Casa Rosada (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-04.