Stef Wertheimer

Stef Wertheimer is an Israeli entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding the successful Iscar Metalworking company, which became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cutting tools. Born in Germany in 1926, Wertheimer immigrated to Israel in 1938, where he eventually began his journey in the industrial sector. In 1952, he founded Iscar, which later grew into a global company, eventually being acquired by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in 2006 for approximately $4 billion. Wertheimer is celebrated not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to social and economic development in Israel.

In addition to his business achievements, Wertheimer is known for his commitment to social innovation and his work in education and job creation. He established the Ramon Foundation, which focuses on providing entrepreneurial education and leadership training to young people, particularly in Israel's Arab and Jewish communities. Through his foundation, Wertheimer aims to foster economic growth and social cohesion, promoting collaboration across cultural divides. His work emphasizes the importance of community development and equal opportunity for all people.

One of Wertheimer’s notable quotes is: "Success is not about money or status. It is about contributing to society and creating meaningful change." This reflects his core belief in the value of giving back to society and creating positive impacts through both business and social responsibility. Wertheimer’s legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and social change-makers worldwide, demonstrating that economic success can be aligned with the pursuit of social good.