Raphael Recanati

Raphael Recanati (1924-1999), was born in Salonica Greece. Recanati founded the Israel Discount Bank. Prior to the creation of the state of Israel Recanati was a member of the Haganah and Palmach, and worked strongly for the creation and defense of a Jewish state. In 1947 David Ben-Gurion asked him to buy two ships from the Americans, which were then used to transport wheat and arms to Palestine in support of the Jewish cause. After the state was formed, Ben Gurion told him that there was no longer a military need for the ships, and Raphael was instructed to use them in the creation of the Israel-America shipping line.

Affiliations

Raphael Recanati International School | Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya