Lev Levaev
Israel- Biography of Lev Levayev (Leviev)
- Education and Early Business Ventures
- Life in Israel and Business Success
- Philanthropy and Religious Leadership
- Current Endeavors
Biography of Lev Levayev (Leviev)
Early Life and FamilyLev Levayev, also known as Leviev, was born on July 30, 1956, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, into a Bukharian Jewish family. He was the only boy among four sisters. His father, Avner, managed a state-owned store and was involved in the antique business. The family was law-abiding and religious, following the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Levayev's childhood was marked by instances of anti-Semitic violence, which had a lasting impact on him.
Education and Early Business Ventures
Levayev attended the 91st school in Tashkent, where about 20% of the students were Jewish. He faced discrimination and anti-Semitic slurs from his non-Jewish peers. Despite the challenges, Levayev remained connected to his Jewish identity and traditions. At the age of 13, his father sent him to an underground yeshiva in Samarkand, where he received a religious education.
Levayev's entrepreneurial spirit emerged at a young age. At 13, he leveraged the birth of his brother to start a small business. According to local tradition, a child who brings good news is rewarded. Levayev spread the news of his brother's birth and received monetary gifts. He used the money to buy and sell clothing, making a profit. This early experience sparked his interest in business and making money.
Life in Israel and Business Success
In 1971, Levayev's family immigrated to Israel, settling initially in Kiryat Malachi and later in Bnei Brak. However, the family faced financial difficulties when they discovered that the diamonds purchased by Levayev's father in Tashkent were fake. Despite these challenges, Levayev pursued his passion for diamonds and established his own diamond cutting workshop. He soon won recognition as a skilled diamond cutter and even won a competition among master diamond cutters.
Levayev's business ventures expanded beyond diamonds in the late 1980s. He became involved in various industries, including arms trading, diamond mining, and oil trading. His business acumen and connections allowed him to navigate complex negotiations and establish successful partnerships. Levayev's empire extended globally and included major construction companies, a metallurgical plant in Israel, ownership of the fuel company "Alon" with gas stations and oil refineries in the United States, and a full concession for diamond mining in Angola.
Philanthropy and Religious Leadership
Levayev's success in business coincided with his deep religious beliefs and commitment to helping others. Inspired by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Levayev established the "Or Avner Chabad Lubavitch Foundation" and the "Or Hana Chabad Lubavitch Foundation" in honor of his father and mother, respectively. These foundations support educational programs, including daily schools, in Ukraine and provide humanitarian aid to those in need.
Levayev also became involved in Jewish community leadership. He served as the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia and played a significant role in restructuring the Jewish community in Russia. He established the Federation of Jewish Organizations of Russia (FEOR) and appointed Rabbi Berel Lazar as the Chief Rabbi of Russia, replacing Rabbi Adolf Shayevich. Levayev's influence in Jewish organizations and his aspirations for leadership in the global Jewish diaspora garnered him both friends and enemies.
Current Endeavors
Despite his ongoing success, Levayev continues to face challenges and navigate the complex world of business. He remains committed to his religious values and philanthropy, believing in the importance of giving back and helping others. Levayev's empire continues to expand, and his influence in the diamond industry and global business arena remains significant.
In addition to his business ventures, Levayev has also become involved in the media industry. He acquired a Russian-language television channel called "Israel Plus" and has used it as a platform to promote his business and philanthropic endeavors.
Levayev's life and career exemplify the journey of a young boy from Uzbekistan who overcame adversity, pursued his passions, and achieved great success in the business world. His commitment to his roots and his belief in giving back have made him a prominent figure in both the business and Jewish communities.
