Jack Mahfar

Jack Mahfar
Born1931 (age 93–94)
Jouybareh district, Isfahan, Iran
Occupations
Years active1950s–present
Known forPharmaceutical ventures in Iran and philanthropy
Awards
Websitejmahfar.com

Jack Mahfar (born 1931) is an Iranian businessman and philanthropist, recognized for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry.[3]

Early life and education

Mahfar was born into a Jewish family in the Jouybareh district of Isfahan, a historically significant center of Jewish life in 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 Christian 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.[4]

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 Astra of Sweden. The company also produced medications under licenses from European manufacturers.[4]

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.[4]

During his career, Mahfar provided financial support for the construction of schools, retirement homes, and housing for employees. These philanthropic initiatives were recognised by the Iranian Jewish representative and other government officials.[5]

After relocating to Switzerland, Mahfar remained active in philanthropy. He contributed to the construction of synagogues in Israel, supported medical centers, and funded educational projects, including the Encyclopædia Iranica.[6]

Following the revolution, his business was nationalized, 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.[6]

Awards

In 2010, Mahfar received the Legion of Honor Award from French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his philanthropic efforts.[1]

He was presented the President's Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 30, 2014.[2]

Sources

  1. ^ a b debbie62140 (2010-06-19). Légion d'honneur presented by president Nicolas Sarkozy in London 18th June 2010. Retrieved 2025-01-12 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b "President honors eight Israelis with presidential award". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2014-01-30. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
  3. ^ "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  4. ^ a b c "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  5. ^ "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  6. ^ a b "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
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