IDI mourns the passing of Eli Hurvitz, z"l, Founder of Teva Pharmaceuticals, who served as Chairman of our Board of Directors from 2002–2008. A leader, patriot, role model, and friend, Eli will be sorely missed. Below are some words of remembrance from IDI President Dr. Arye Carmon.

Remembering Eli Hurvitz, z"l

Eli Hurvitz, z"l, Founder of Teva Pharmaceuticals, served as Chairman of IDI's Board of Directors from 2002–2008. As a leading figure in the business community, Eli's first contact with IDI was through the annual Caesarea Economic Policy Planning Forum, which he attended regularly from its inception; in fact, the only meeting he missed in the 19 years of the Forum's existence was this past year's conference, which he could not attend on account of his illness.

During his tenure as Chairman of the IDI Board, we benefited from his vast experience and many talents. Under his guidance, we embarked on a strategic planning process, for the first time in the history of the Institute. A man of honor and integrity with a noble soul, Eli appreciated the importance of applied research and affirmed its centrality in IDI's activities. He had an intuitive grasp of the main challenge confronting the Institute – how to apply IDI's high quality research to the untidy reality of Israeli democracy and effect meaningful change.

Although Eli was extremely busy building one of the most successful companies in the world, I found that he always had time and energy for me. During the many hours that we spent together, whether in his office at Teva or in the IDI offices in Jerusalem, I came to treasure his advice. He always presented his suggestions, which were grounded in wisdom and experience, in a friendly and good-natured manner. His advice was characterized by moderation and humility in the face of the daunting challenges before us.

Our professional cooperation at IDI was accompanied by a deep personal friendship between us, which continued until his passing. I recall one event in particular that bears tribute to the greatness of his personality: Eli insisted on joining me when I paid a condolence call to Ramzi Halabi, a member of our Board of Directors, at his home in Daliat El Carmel. On the way, we got stuck in traffic, giving me the unexpected opportunity to spend several hours with him. Our conversation was deep, personal and wide-ranging. I cannot forget how Eli, one of the most successful businessmen Israel has ever seen, spoke about his father, a simple plasterer, with such great respect and love.

Eli Hurvitz was a leader, a patriot, and a friend. His compassion, wisdom, and contagious optimism will be sorely missed.

Read the obituary in the New York Times

Read "Tributes Flow in for Eli Hurvitz" (JPost)

Read the JTA obituary