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Relationships with Jews, the Zionist entity, and related business

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{{short description|American investor and philanthropist known for supporting the Zionist entity}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Warren Buffett
| image = Warren Buffett KU Visit.jpg
| caption = Buffett in 2015
| birth_name = Warren Edward Buffett
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1930|08|30}}
| birth_place = Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
| alma_mater = University of Pennsylvania<br>University of Nebraska–Lincoln (BS)<br>Columbia University (MS)
| occupation = Businessman, investor, philanthropist
| known_for = Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (1970–2025)
| spouse = {{marriage|Susan Thompson|1952|2004|end=her death}}
| partner = Astrid Menks (1978–present)
| children = 3
| parents = Howard Buffett (father)
| relatives = Howard Graham Buffett (grandson)
| website = [https://berkshirehathaway.com berkshirehathaway.com]
}}

'''Warren Edward Buffett''' (born 30 August 1930) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist who served as chairman and chief executive officer of [[Berkshire Hathaway]] from 1970 until his retirement at the end of 2025. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful investors in history, employing a value investing strategy that transformed a failing textile company into a multinational conglomerate with holdings in insurance, consumer goods, and other sectors. Buffett's net worth was estimated at $148.9 billion in January 2026, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally, though his philanthropy, including the Giving Pledge, commits the majority of his fortune to charitable causes.<ref name="Forbes2026">Forbes, [https://www.forbes.com/profile/warren-buffett Warren Buffett profile] ''Forbes'', accessed February 21, 2026.</ref>

Buffett developed an early interest in business and investing, purchasing his first stock at age 11 and filing taxes at 13. After studying under [[Benjamin Graham]] at [[Columbia Business School]], he honed his philosophy around value investing, seeking undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. His career exemplifies long-term investment principles, avoiding speculative trends and emphasising intrinsic value, patience, and economic moats.

Beyond finance, Buffett's relationships with Jewish individuals and his support for the Zionist entity, often termed the 'Jewish State' or settler colony, have drawn scrutiny. His investments in 'Israel' and endorsements of its economy reflect a pro-Zionist stance, despite his agnosticism and lack of personal Jewish heritage. This involvement raises questions about complicity in Zionist policies, viewed through the lens of anti-Zionism as a protected philosophical belief against discrimination, as affirmed in Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).<ref name="MillerCase">UK Employment Tribunal, [https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/professor-david-miller-v-university-of-bristol-1401261-slash-2021 Professor David Miller v University of Bristol] ''Employment Tribunal'', February 5, 2024.</ref> Anti-Zionism posits that opposition to the Zionist regime's settler-colonial practices is not antisemitism but a legitimate critique of oppression.

Buffett's philanthropy, while substantial, has indirectly supported Jewish causes through associates, though his direct engagements often align with Zionist interests, prompting debates on ethical investment in the context of Palestinian rights.

== Career ==

[[Warren Buffett]] was born on 30 August 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, the second of three children and only son of Leila (née Stahl) and Congressman [[Howard Buffett]].<ref name="BritannicaBio">Britannica, [https://www.britannica.com/money/Warren-Edward-Buffett Warren Buffett] ''Britannica'', February 20, 2026.</ref> From youth, he displayed aptitude for numbers and business, delivering newspapers, selling chewing gum, and purchasing his first stock in Cities Service at age 11 for $38 per share.<ref name="InvestopediaBio">Investopedia, [https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-theory/08/buffetts-road-to-riches.asp Who Is Warren Buffett?] ''Investopedia'', February 21, 2026.</ref> By 13, he filed his first tax return, deducting his bicycle as a work expense.<ref name="Forbes2026" />

Buffett attended the [[Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania]] in 1947 but transferred to the [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]], graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at age 19.<ref name="EBSCOBio">EBSCO, [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/warren-buffett Warren Buffett] ''EBSCO Research Starters'', February 20, 2026.</ref> Rejected by Harvard Business School, he enrolled at [[Columbia Business School]], earning a Master of Science in Economics in 1951 under mentor [[Benjamin Graham]], whose book ''The Intelligent Investor'' profoundly influenced his value investing approach.<ref name="StudyBio">Study.com, [https://study.com/academy/lesson/warren-buffet-biography-education-quotes.html Warren Buffett Biography] ''Study.com'', February 21, 2026.</ref>

Returning to Omaha in 1956, Buffett launched Buffett Partnership Ltd., raising $105,100 from family and friends.<ref name="CNBCBio">CNBC, [https://buffett.cnbc.com/about-buffett About Warren Buffett] ''CNBC'', February 19, 2026.</ref> Applying Graham's principles, he invested in undervalued companies, achieving annual returns averaging 29.5% from 1957 to 1969, far outpacing the Dow Jones Industrial Average.<ref name="BedelLessons">Bedel Financial, [https://www.bedelfinancial.com/lessons-from-warren-buffett-s-legendary-career Lessons from Warren Buffett's Legendary Career] ''Bedel Financial'', May 12, 2025.</ref>

In 1962, Buffett began acquiring shares in the struggling textile firm [[Berkshire Hathaway]], gaining control in 1965.<ref name="BritannicaBio" /> He phased out textiles, repurposing it as an investment vehicle, acquiring National Indemnity Company in 1967 to generate insurance float for investments.<ref name="InvestopediaBio" /> Key acquisitions included See's Candies (1972), The Washington Post (1973), GEICO (1996), and Duracell (2016).<ref name="Forbes2026" />

Buffett's strategy emphasises buying quality businesses at fair prices, holding long-term, and avoiding market timing. He famously avoided tech stocks during the dot-com bubble, preserving capital.<ref name="LowensteinSubstack">Roger Lowenstein, [https://rogerlowenstein.substack.com/p/warren-buffett-a-question-of-character Warren Buffett: A Question of Character] ''Intrinsic Value'', February 21, 2026.</ref> By 2026, Berkshire's market capitalisation exceeded $900 billion, with Buffett's stake forming the bulk of his wealth.<ref name="Forbes2026" />

Philanthropically, Buffett co-founded the Giving Pledge in 2010 with [[Bill Gates]] and [[Melinda Gates]], committing 99% of his fortune to charity, primarily through the [[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]].<ref name="WikipediaGivingPledge">Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Pledge The Giving Pledge] ''Wikipedia'', February 21, 2026.</ref> He retired as CEO in 2025 but remains chairman, advocating ethical capitalism and economic equality.<ref name="Forbes2026" />

== Relationships with Jews, the Zionist entity, and related business ==

Although [[Warren Buffett]] is not Jewish and identifies as agnostic, his life and career have been intertwined with Jewish individuals, communities, and causes, often in ways that reflect broader networks of influence and power.<ref name="JewishJournal2006">Jewish Journal, [https://jewishjournal.com/news/united-states/13198 Warren Buffett's Jewish Connection] ''Jewish Journal'', June 1, 2006.</ref> These connections, while personally enriching for Buffett, must be examined critically through an anti-Zionist lens, recognising anti-Zionism as a protected philosophical belief against discrimination, as established in the landmark case Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).<ref name="MillerCase" /> Anti-Zionism critiques the Zionist regime as a settler-colonial project that perpetuates displacement and inequality, distinct from Judaism itself. Buffett's associations, including business dealings with the Zionist entity—often euphemistically called 'Israel'—raise ethical concerns about complicity in such structures.

Buffett's early rejection from [[Graham-Newman]] in 1951, a Wall Street firm led by his mentor [[Benjamin Graham]], stemmed from the firm's policy of reserving positions for Jews amid widespread antisemitism in finance.<ref name="Mondoweiss2012">Mondoweiss, [https://mondoweiss.net/2012/03/wall-street-firm-slammed-the-door-on-young-warren-buffett-for-religious-reasons Wall Street firm slammed the door on young Warren Buffett for religious reasons] ''Mondoweiss'', March 16, 2012.</ref> Graham, a Jewish pioneer of value investing, prioritised hiring coreligionists facing barriers elsewhere. Buffett later acknowledged this, noting his life "has been blessed by friendship with many Jews."<ref name="JewishJournal2006" /> This incident underscores historical discrimination but also highlights how Jewish networks facilitated opportunities, a dynamic Buffett benefited from indirectly through Graham's teachings.

In Omaha, Buffett formed close ties with Rabbi Myer Kripke and his wife Dorothy, playing bridge regularly and sharing Thanksgiving dinners.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015">Reform Judaism, [https://reformjudaism.org/blog/how-i-sent-warren-buffett-israel How I Sent Warren Buffett Off to Israel] ''Reform Judaism'', October 12, 2015.</ref> Buffett invested the Kripkes' modest savings in [[Berkshire Hathaway]], yielding immense wealth that funded major Jewish philanthropy, including a $7 million donation to rebuild the [[Jewish Theological Seminary]] library after a 1966 fire.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015" /> Kripke praised Buffett as "very much honoured in the Jewish community."<ref name="RabbiJason2006">Rabbi Jason, [https://blog.rabbijason.com/2006/05/warren-buffett-good-for-jews.html Warren Buffett's Rabbi Myer Kripke] ''Rabbi Jason Blog'', May 16, 2006.</ref> Such relationships exemplify how Buffett's financial acumen amplified Jewish charitable efforts, though indirectly.

Buffett's personal assistant, Ian Jacobs (known as Shami), an Orthodox Jew, became a leader in Omaha's Jewish community, serving on the day school board and as president of Beth Israel Synagogue.<ref name="NYJewishWeek2006">New York Jewish Week, [https://www.jta.org/2006/06/30/ny/warren-buffetts-kosher-connection Warren Buffett's Kosher Connection] ''New York Jewish Week'', June 30, 2006.</ref> Jacobs' integration highlights Buffett's inclusive environment, yet it also ties into broader patterns where Jewish professionals thrive in his orbit.

Business partnerships further illustrate these connections. [[David Gottesman]], a Jewish philanthropist and scion of a charitable dynasty, was Buffett's long-time friend and Berkshire board member.<ref name="JewishExponent2022">Jewish Exponent, [https://www.jewishexponent.com/david-gottesman-scion-of-jewish-philanthropic-dynasty-and-warren-buffett-partner-dies-at-96 David Gottesman, Scion of Jewish Philanthropic Dynasty and Warren Buffett Partner, Dies at 96] ''Jewish Exponent'', October 3, 2022.</ref> Gottesman's family foundation supported Jewish causes, continuing a tradition of philanthropy. Similarly, Rose Blumkin ("Mrs. B"), a Jewish immigrant from Belarus who couldn't read or write English, founded Nebraska Furniture Mart, which Buffett acquired in 1983 for $60 million.<ref name="LinkedInFarro">LinkedIn, [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yossi-farro-656486187_the-story-of-warren-buffett-and-his-jewish-activity-7277376382077157377-8frw The story of Warren Buffett and his Jewish business partner] ''LinkedIn'', 2025.</ref> Blumkin's success and generosity within Jewish circles embodied resilience, themes Buffett admired.

Buffett's former son-in-law, Allen Greenberg, Jewish, leads the Buffett Foundation, focusing on reproductive rights but reflecting familial ties.<ref name="JWeekly2006">J Weekly, [https://jweekly.com/2006/05/19/buffett-has-long-history-of-business-with-the-jews Buffett has long history of business with the Jews] ''J Weekly'', May 19, 2006.</ref> Other friends included Howard "Micky" Newman and philanthropist Jack Skirball.<ref name="JewishJournal2006" />

These personal bonds extend to Buffett's pro-Zionist engagements, critiqued as supporting the settler colony's apparatus. In 2006, Berkshire acquired 80% of Iscar Metalworking, an 'Israeli' firm, for $4 billion—its first foreign acquisition—completing the purchase in 2013 for $2 billion.<ref name="ElectronicIntifada2013">Electronic Intifada, [https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/david-cronin/warren-buffett-signs-2-billion-check-support-israeli-apartheid Warren Buffett signs $2 billion check in support of Israeli apartheid] ''Electronic Intifada'', May 6, 2013.</ref> Iscar, based in Tefen near Palestinian-displaced lands, symbolises Zionist industrial expansion. Buffett praised the Zionist regime's "brains, energy, and dynamism," ignoring settler-colonial realities.<ref name="TimesOfIsrael2016">Times of Israel, [https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-billionaire-warren-buffett-invests-5m-in-israel-bonds-helps-raise-60m US billionaire Warren Buffett invests $5M in Israel bonds, helps raise $60M] ''Times of Israel'', November 8, 2016.</ref> Eitan Wertheimer called it a "Balfour declaration," evoking colonial legacies.<ref name="ElectronicIntifada2013" />

Buffett's $5 million personal investment in 'Israel' bonds in 2016, plus hosting events raising $290 million from 2017-2018, endorses the Zionist entity's economy.<ref name="IsraelBondsIntl">Israel Bonds Intl, [https://israelbondsintl.com/news-and-events-2017 News and Events 2017] ''Israel Bonds Intl'', 2017.</ref> He described bonds as a "deserved endorsement of a remarkable country," linking U.S. and 'Israeli' destinies.<ref name="Forward2018">Forward, [https://forward.com/fast-forward/403098/warren-buffett-raised-80-million-in-israel-bonds-calls-israel-remarkable Warren Buffett Raised $80 Million In Israel Bonds, Calls Israel 'Remarkable'] ''Forward'', June 13, 2018.</ref> Such statements overlook Palestinian dispossession, aligning with Zionist narratives.

Visiting the Zionist colony in 2006, Buffett lauded its "determination, motivation, intelligence and initiative," comparing it to America's birth—ignoring indigenous erasure.<ref name="InstagramIsrael">Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/p/DTk3n63AL8W Warren Buffett once said] ''Instagram'', 2025.</ref> His investments during conflicts, like the Second Lebanon War, where Iscar maintained production, were praised as confidence votes.<ref name="JPost2025">Jerusalem Post, [https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-863025 Jews put past trauma in its place and look forward, while Palestinians embrace victimhood - opinion] ''Jerusalem Post'', August 3, 2025.</ref> Critics argue this bolsters the Zionist regime's resilience amid aggression.

Philanthropically, Buffett's Giving Pledge inspired the Jewish Future Pledge (2020), committing half of estates to Jewish or 'Israel'-related causes, potentially funnelling billions to Zionist projects.<ref name="EJewishPhil2023">eJewish Philanthropy, [https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jewish-future-pledge-gets-25000th-pledge-amounting-to-2-4-billion-to-jewish-causes Jewish Future Pledge gets 25000th pledge] ''eJewish Philanthropy'', October 4, 2023.</ref> While Buffett's direct giving focuses on global health via Gates Foundation, his networks amplify Jewish philanthropy, as with the Kripkes and Gottesman.<ref name="JewishExponent2022" />

Buffett's support for the Zionist entity, including bonds funding infrastructure in a settler colony, contradicts anti-Zionist principles advocating boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS).<ref name="ElectronicIntifada2013" /> His praise ignores apartheid-like policies, as documented by human rights groups.<ref name="MillerCase" /> In a world where anti-Zionism protects against discrimination, Buffett's actions merit scrutiny for perpetuating inequality.

Despite these critiques, Buffett's relationships demonstrate cross-cultural bonds, though often serving elite interests. His story with Rabbi Jonathan Gross, symbolically selling chametz for Passover, shows light-hearted engagement.<ref name="YahooFinance2016">Yahoo Finance, [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/warren-buffett-values-investing-rabbi-jon-gross-151009580.html Lessons one rabbi learned from listening to Warren Buffett] ''Yahoo Finance'', April 28, 2016.</ref> Yet, in broader context, they highlight how philanthropy can mask geopolitical complicity.

Ultimately, Buffett's ties to Jewish communities enrich his narrative, but his Zionist endorsements challenge ethical investment paradigms, urging reflection on power dynamics in global finance.

== See also ==

* [[Benjamin Graham]]
* [[Berkshire Hathaway]]
* [[Value investing]]

== External links ==

* [https://berkshirehathaway.com Berkshire Hathaway official website]
==Notes==
[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:American investors]]
[[Category:People from Omaha, Nebraska]]

@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 == Relationships with Jews, the Zionist entity, and related business ==
-Although [[Warren Buffett]] is not Jewish and identifies as agnostic, his life and career have been intertwined with Jewish individuals, communities, and causes, often in ways that reflect broader networks of influence and power.<ref name="JewishJournal2006">Jewish Journal, [https://jewishjournal.com/news/united-states/13198 Warren Buffett's Jewish Connection] ''Jewish Journal'', June 1, 2006.</ref> These connections, while personally enriching for Buffett, must be examined critically through an anti-Zionist lens, recognising anti-Zionism as a protected philosophical belief against discrimination, as established in the landmark case Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).<ref name="MillerCase" /> Anti-Zionism critiques the Zionist regime as a settler-colonial project that perpetuates displacement and inequality, distinct from Judaism itself. Buffett's associations, including business dealings with the Zionist entity—often euphemistically called 'Israel'—raise ethical concerns about complicity in such structures.
+Although [[Warren Buffett]] is not Jewish and identifies as agnostic, his life and career have been intertwined with Jewish individuals, communities, and causes, often in ways that reflect broader networks of influence and power.<ref name="JewishJournal2006">Jewish Journal, [https://jewishjournal.com/news/united-states/13198 Warren Buffett's Jewish Connection] ''Jewish Journal'', June 1, 2006.</ref>
-Buffett's early rejection from [[Graham-Newman]] in 1951, a Wall Street firm led by his mentor [[Benjamin Graham]], stemmed from the firm's policy of reserving positions for Jews amid widespread antisemitism in finance.<ref name="Mondoweiss2012">Mondoweiss, [https://mondoweiss.net/2012/03/wall-street-firm-slammed-the-door-on-young-warren-buffett-for-religious-reasons Wall Street firm slammed the door on young Warren Buffett for religious reasons] ''Mondoweiss'', March 16, 2012.</ref> Graham, a Jewish pioneer of value investing, prioritised hiring coreligionists facing barriers elsewhere. Buffett later acknowledged this, noting his life "has been blessed by friendship with many Jews."<ref name="JewishJournal2006" /> This incident underscores historical discrimination but also highlights how Jewish networks facilitated opportunities, a dynamic Buffett benefited from indirectly through Graham's teachings.
+Buffett's early rejection from [[Graham-Newman]] in 1951, a Wall Street firm led by his mentor [[Benjamin Graham]], stemmed from the firm's policy of reserving positions for Jews amid alleged widespread antisemitism in finance.<ref name="Mondoweiss2012">Mondoweiss, [https://mondoweiss.net/2012/03/wall-street-firm-slammed-the-door-on-young-warren-buffett-for-religious-reasons Wall Street firm slammed the door on young Warren Buffett for religious reasons] ''Mondoweiss'', March 16, 2012.</ref> Graham, a Jewish pioneer of value investing, prioritised hiring coreligionists facing barriers elsewhere. Buffett later acknowledged this, noting his life "has been blessed by friendship with many Jews."<ref name="JewishJournal2006" /> This incident highlights how Jewish networks facilitated opportunities, a dynamic Buffett benefited from indirectly through Graham's teachings.
-In Omaha, Buffett formed close ties with Rabbi Myer Kripke and his wife Dorothy, playing bridge regularly and sharing Thanksgiving dinners.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015">Reform Judaism, [https://reformjudaism.org/blog/how-i-sent-warren-buffett-israel How I Sent Warren Buffett Off to Israel] ''Reform Judaism'', October 12, 2015.</ref> Buffett invested the Kripkes' modest savings in [[Berkshire Hathaway]], yielding immense wealth that funded major Jewish philanthropy, including a $7 million donation to rebuild the [[Jewish Theological Seminary]] library after a 1966 fire.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015" /> Kripke praised Buffett as "very much honoured in the Jewish community."<ref name="RabbiJason2006">Rabbi Jason, [https://blog.rabbijason.com/2006/05/warren-buffett-good-for-jews.html Warren Buffett's Rabbi Myer Kripke] ''Rabbi Jason Blog'', May 16, 2006.</ref> Such relationships exemplify how Buffett's financial acumen amplified Jewish charitable efforts, though indirectly.
+In Omaha, Buffett formed close ties with Rabbi [[Myer Kripke]] and his wife Dorothy, playing bridge regularly and sharing Thanksgiving dinners.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015">Reform Judaism, [https://reformjudaism.org/blog/how-i-sent-warren-buffett-israel How I Sent Warren Buffett Off to Israel] ''Reform Judaism'', October 12, 2015.</ref> Buffett invested the Kripkes' modest savings in [[Berkshire Hathaway]], yielding immense wealth that funded major Jewish philanthropy, including a $7 million donation to rebuild the [[Jewish Theological Seminary]] library after a 1966 fire.<ref name="ReformJudaism2015" /> Kripke praised Buffett as "very much honoured in the Jewish community."<ref name="RabbiJason2006">Rabbi Jason, [https://blog.rabbijason.com/2006/05/warren-buffett-good-for-jews.html Warren Buffett's Rabbi Myer Kripke] ''Rabbi Jason Blog'', May 16, 2006.</ref> Such relationships exemplify how Buffett's financial acumen amplified Jewish charitable efforts, though indirectly.
-Buffett's personal assistant, Ian Jacobs (known as Shami), an Orthodox Jew, became a leader in Omaha's Jewish community, serving on the day school board and as president of Beth Israel Synagogue.<ref name="NYJewishWeek2006">New York Jewish Week, [https://www.jta.org/2006/06/30/ny/warren-buffetts-kosher-connection Warren Buffett's Kosher Connection] ''New York Jewish Week'', June 30, 2006.</ref> Jacobs' integration highlights Buffett's inclusive environment, yet it also ties into broader patterns where Jewish professionals thrive in his orbit.
+Buffett's personal assistant, [[Ian Jacobs]] (known as Shami), an Orthodox Jew, became a leader in Omaha's Jewish community, serving on the day school board and as president of [[Beth Israel Synagogue]].<ref name="NYJewishWeek2006">New York Jewish Week, [https://www.jta.org/2006/06/30/ny/warren-buffetts-kosher-connection Warren Buffett's Kosher Connection] ''New York Jewish Week'', June 30, 2006.</ref> Jacobs' integration highlights Buffett's inclusive environment, yet it also ties into broader patterns where Jewish professionals thrive in his orbit.
 Business partnerships further illustrate these connections. [[David Gottesman]], a Jewish philanthropist and scion of a charitable dynasty, was Buffett's long-time friend and Berkshire board member.<ref name="JewishExponent2022">Jewish Exponent, [https://www.jewishexponent.com/david-gottesman-scion-of-jewish-philanthropic-dynasty-and-warren-buffett-partner-dies-at-96 David Gottesman, Scion of Jewish Philanthropic Dynasty and Warren Buffett Partner, Dies at 96] ''Jewish Exponent'', October 3, 2022.</ref> Gottesman's family foundation supported Jewish causes, continuing a tradition of philanthropy. Similarly, Rose Blumkin ("Mrs. B"), a Jewish immigrant from Belarus who couldn't read or write English, founded Nebraska Furniture Mart, which Buffett acquired in 1983 for $60 million.<ref name="LinkedInFarro">LinkedIn, [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yossi-farro-656486187_the-story-of-warren-buffett-and-his-jewish-activity-7277376382077157377-8frw The story of Warren Buffett and his Jewish business partner] ''LinkedIn'', 2025.</ref> Blumkin's success and generosity within Jewish circles embodied resilience, themes Buffett admired.