Jack Mahfar (born 1931) is an Iranian peoples businessman and philanthropist known for his work in the pharmaceutical industry.
Early life and education
Mahfar was born into a
Jews family in the Jouybareh district of
Isfahan, a historically significant center of Jewish life in
Pahlavi Iran. His father, Haj Helel Mah-gerefteh, was one of the first graduates of the Alliance School in Isfahan and was fluent in French. Mahfar began his education at the Ayin School, a
Christianity missionary institution, before continuing at the Alliance High School and later enrolling in the School of Literature. However, his studies were disrupted in 1948 when his father was diagnosed with bone tuberculosis, prompting the family to move to
Tehran to seek medical treatment.
Career
In
Tehran, Mahfar began his professional journey at Rey Pharmacy, working under Dr. Moussa Bral, a prominent figure in the Iranian Jewish community. Starting as an apprentice, he gradually gained experience and went on to establish Mahfar Co., a pharmaceutical firm that represented several international companies, including
AstraZeneca of
Sweden. The company also produced medications under licenses from European manufacturers.
Mahfar later proposed the development of a domestic pharmaceutical factory aimed at producing essential medicines locally. The goal was to reduce dependence on imports and improve affordability. Although the initiative received backing from foreign partners, it was ultimately discontinued due to the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
During his career, Mahfar provided significant financial support for the construction of schools, retirement homes, and housing for employees. These philanthropic initiatives were widely recognized and appreciated by both Iranian Jewish leaders and government officials, reflecting his commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life for various communities.
After relocating to Switzerland, Mahfar remained active in philanthropy. He contributed to the construction of Synagogue in Israel, supported medical centers, and funded educational projects, including the Encyclopædia Iranica.
Following the revolution, his business was Nationalization, prompting his move to Geneva. He launched a new pharmaceutical enterprise there and continued his humanitarian work, notably assisting in the release of imprisoned Iranian Jews in Shiraz.
Awards
In 2010, Mahfar received the Legion of Honor Award from
French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his philanthropic efforts.
He was presented the President's Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 30, 2014.
Sources
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From Laborer to Entrepreneur, Memoirs of Jack Mahfar, First Edition, Fall 2013 http://jmahfar.com/english.html
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اعطای مدال افتخار ریاست جمهوری اسرائیل به ژاک ماهفر یهودی http://mfa.gov.il/MFAFA/IsraelExperience/IraniansInIsrael/Pages/20140130-Peres-Mahfar.aspx
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از کارگری تا کارآفرینی - خاطرات ژاک ماهفر - بازگشت به .. http://jmahfar.com/world-personality.html
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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
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نقد و معرفی : امیر حسین دیانی http://rahavard.com/Reviews/99-Review-Mahfar.pdf
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