Jack Mahfar
{{Short description|Iranian businessman (born 1931)}}
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{{Infobox person
| name = Jack Mahfar
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1931}}
| birth_place = Jouybareh district, Isfahan, Iran
| occupation = {{hlist|businessman|philanthropist|entrepreneur}}
| years_active = 1950s–present
| known_for = Pharmaceutical ventures in Iran and philanthropy
| awards = {{plainlist|
- Legion of Honour (France, 2010)
- President’s Award of Distinction (Israel, 2014)
}}
| website = {{URL|http://jmahfar.com}}
}}
Jack Mahfar (born 1931) is an Iranian businessman associated with the pharmaceutical industry. He has also participated in philanthropic initiatives in Iran and Europe.
Early life and education
Mahfar was born into a Jewish family in the Jouybareh district of Isfahan, Iran. His father, Haj Helel Mah-gerefteh, was among the early graduates of the Alliance School in Isfahan and was fluent in French. He attended the Ayin School, a Christian missionary institution, before enrolling at the Alliance High School and later the School of Literature. His education was interrupted in 1948 when his father was diagnosed with bone tuberculosis, leading the family to relocate to Tehran for medical treatment.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-03 |title=Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure |url=https://www.7dorim.com/en/philanthropists-and-community-leaders/jack-mahfar/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |language=en-GB}}
Career
= Pharmaceutical industry =
In Tehran, Mahfar began his career at Rey Pharmacy, where he worked under Dr. Moussa Bral, a notable member of the Jewish community. Starting as an apprentice, he gained experience that enabled him to establish Mahfar Co., a firm that represented international pharmaceutical companies, including Astra of Sweden. The company produced medications under licenses from European firms.
Mahfar proposed the establishment of a pharmaceutical factory to produce essential medications locally, with the aim of reducing reliance on imports and enhancing affordability. The project, which had received support from international firms, was halted due to the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
= Philanthropy and community contributions =
Mahfar funded the construction of schools, nursing homes, and homes for employees. His efforts were recognized by Iranian-Jewish leaders and government officials.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-03 |title=Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure |url=https://www.7dorim.com/en/philanthropists-and-community-leaders/jack-mahfar/ |access-date=2025-06-15 |language=en-GB}}{{Cn|date=February 2025}}
After he emigrated to Switzerland, Mahfar continued his philanthropic activities, including building synagogues in Israel, supporting medical centers, and funding educational initiatives such as the Encyclopædia Iranica.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-03 |title=Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure |url=https://www.7dorim.com/en/philanthropists-and-community-leaders/jack-mahfar/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |language=en-GB}}
Emigration from Iran
Following the Islamic Revolution, Mahfar's business was nationalized, and he relocated to Geneva. In Switzerland, he established a new pharmaceutical business and engaged in humanitarian efforts, including aiding in the release of Iranian Jews imprisoned in Shiraz.
Recognition and awards
Mahfar received multiple awards for his contributions:
- Legion of Honor Award from French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his philanthropic efforts.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLgJ5uUsDi8&feature=youtu.be |title=Légion d'honneur presented by president Nicolas Sarkozy in London 18th June 2010 |date=2010-06-19 |last=debbie62140 |access-date=2025-01-12 |via=YouTube}}
- President's Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 30, 2014.{{Cite web |date=2014-01-30 |title=President honors eight Israelis with presidential award. |url=https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/President-honors-eight-Israelis-with-presidential-award-339937 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}
Sources
{{reflist}}
- From Laborer to Entrepreneur, Memoirs of Jack Mahfar, First Edition, Fall 2013 http://jmahfar.com/english.html
- اعطای مدال افتخار ریاست جمهوری اسرائیل به ژاک ماهفر یهودی http://mfa.gov.il/MFAFA/IsraelExperience/IraniansInIsrael/Pages/20140130-Peres-Mahfar.aspx
- از کارگری تا کارآفرینی - خاطرات ژاک ماهفر - بازگشت به .. http://jmahfar.com/world-personality.html
- رونمایی از کتابی تازه درباره زندگی یهودیان ایران‌زمین - رادیو فردا http://www.radiofarda.com/content/f2_iran_losangeles_ehsan_yarshater_jewish_communities_hooman_sarshar/24374361.html
- گفتگوی رادیو اسرائیل با آقای منشه امیر درباره کتاب و ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OJC_YPxEyA
- نقد و معرفی : امیر حسین دیانی http://rahavard.com/Reviews/99-Review-Mahfar.pdf
- یک ایرانی، به زودی بزرگ ترین نشان افتخار فرانسه را می گیرد https://faryadiran.wordpress.com/
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