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Jack Mahfar | |
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| Born | 1931 (age 93–94) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1950s–present |
| Known for | Pharmaceutical ventures in Iran and philanthropy |
| Awards |
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| Website | jmahfar |
Jack Mahfar (born 1931) is a Swiss-Iranian businessman and philanthropist, mostly known for his activity in the pharmaceutical industry. [3]
Mahfar was born into a Jewish family in the Jouybareh district of Isfahan, an area historically known as a center of Jewish life in Iran. His father, Haj Helel Mah-gerefteh, was among the first graduates of the Alliance School in Isfahan and was fluent in French. [4] Mahfar began his education at the Ayin School, a Christian missionary institution, before continuing at the Alliance High School and later enrolling in the School of Literature. [5] However, his studies were disrupted in 1948 when his family relocated to Tehran. [6]
In Tehran, Mahfar worked at Rey Pharmacy, working under Dr. Moussa Bral. [7] He began his career as an apprentice in the pharmaceutical industry. He later established Mahfar Co., a pharmaceutical firm that represented several international companies, including Astra of Sweden, and produced medications under licenses from European manufacturers. [6]
Mahfar later proposed establishing a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to produce essential medicines locally, with the goal of reducing reliance on imports and improving affordability. Although the initiative gained support from foreign partners, it was ultimately abandoned following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. [6]
Throughout his career, Mahfar contributed financially to the construction of schools, retirement homes, and employee housing. These philanthropic efforts were acknowledged by the Iranian Jewish representative in parliament and other government officials. [8] [9]
After relocating to Switzerland, Mahfar remained active in philanthropy. He contributed to the construction of synagogues in Israel, supported medical centers, and funded educational projects, including the Encyclopædia Iranica. [10]
Following the revolution, his business was nationalized, prompting his move to Geneva. He launched a new pharmaceutical enterprise there and continued his humanitarian work, including assisting in the release of imprisoned Iranian Jews in Shiraz. [10]
On 27 September 2011, he received the Legion of Honor Award (Legion d’ honneur) from the then President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, in recognition of his philanthropic contributions to the Republic of France. On February 2014, Jack Mahfar received the [Israeli] President’s Award of Distinction, for his contribution to the human community. In addition, he also received various letters of appreciation, insignias, and tablets of honor. He published an autobiography called “From Laborer to Entrepreneur, Memoirs of Jack Mahfar”, which narrates his life from the Jouybareh district of Esfahan to life in Tehran and later, Genève of Switzerland. [11]
In 2010, Mahfar received the Legion of Honor Award from French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his philanthropic efforts. [1]
He was presented the President's Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 30, 2014. [2]
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