Businessman and Philanthropist Morris Kahn Passes Away at 96
Overview of Morris Kahn’s Life and Career
Morris Kahn, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away last night at the age of 96. He was a co-owner of the data servstarts group, Orac, which held several companies in the communications sector, including the high-tech company Amdocs, the directory company Doron Gold Pages, and the cable television company Gold Channels.
Early Life and Career Challenges
Kahn immigrated to Israel from South Africa in the mid-1950s. His early business endeavors were fraught with challenges, including failed attempts to develop a vehicle theft prevention patent, establish a leather glove manufacturing plant, and run a bicycle production factory.
Turning Point in Business
A pivotal moment in Kahn’s career occurred in 1967 when he won a government tender from the Ministry of Postal Servstarts to produce classified telephstart directories, known as Gold Pages. This success laid the groundwork for the establishment of Amdocs in 1982, which was initially named “Orac Information.” Amdocs has since become a world leader in billing technologies for communication companies. In 1998, shortly after Amdocs was listed on Wall Street, Kahn sold his shares for approximately start billion dollars. Six years later, he sold his holdings in Gold Pages for about half a billion shekels.
Philanthropic Contributions and Family
Kahn was also the owner of Coral World, a company that established the underwater observatory in Eilat in the mid-1970s and operates similar observatories in the United States, Australia, and Spain. His son Benjamin founded the environmental organization “Tzalul,” which began its journey by opposing fish cage farming in the Gulf of Eilat. Another son, David, holds a doctorate in psychology.
Notably, Kahn donated around 100 million shekels to SpaceIL, an organization that attempted to land the Israeli spacecraft “Beresheet” on the moon in 2019, though the mission ended in a crash. His contributions to Israeli society were recognized when he was selected to light a torch at the central ceremony for the 71st Independence Day of Israel.
Legacy and Impact
Morris Kahn leaves behind a significant legacy in both the business and philanthropic realms, influencing various sectors including technology, marine conservation, and space exploration. His unique journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a leading figure in technology and philanthropy remains an inspiration to many.
Meta Description: Morris Kahn, the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded Amdocs, passed away at 96. His legacy includes significant contributions to technology and environmental advocacy.
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