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, associated with the pharmaceutical industry.

Early life and education

Mahfar was born into a Jewish family in the Jouybareh district of Isfahan, Iran. His father, Haj Helel Mah-gerefteh, was among the early graduates of the Alliance School in Isfahan and was fluent in French. He attended the Ayin School, a Christian missionary institution, before enrolling at the Alliance High School and later the School of Literature. His education was interrupted in 1948 when his father was diagnosed with bone tuberculosis, leading the family to relocate to Tehran for medical treatment.[3]

Career

In Tehran, Mahfar began his career at Rey Pharmacy, where he worked under Dr. Moussa Bral, a notable member of the Jewish community. Starting as an apprentice, he gained experience that enabled him to establish Mahfar Co., a firm that represented international pharmaceutical companies, including Astra of Sweden. The company produced medications under licenses from European firms.[3]

Mahfar proposed the establishment of a pharmaceutical factory to produce essential medications locally, to reduce reliance on imports and enhance affordability. The project, which had received support from international firms, was halted due to the Iranian Revolution of 1979.[3]

Mahfar funded the construction of schools, nursing homes, and homes for employees. His efforts were recognized by Iranian-Jewish leaders and government officials.[4]

After he emigrated to Switzerland, Mahfar continued his philanthropic activities, including building synagogues in Israel, supporting medical centers, and funding educational initiatives such as the Encyclopædia Iranica.[5]

Following the Islamic Revolution, Mahfar's business was nationalized, and he relocated to Geneva. In Switzerland, he established a new pharmaceutical business and engaged in humanitarian efforts, including aiding in the release of Iranian Jews imprisoned in Shiraz.[5]

Reception

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. ^ a b c "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  4. ^ "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  5. ^ a b "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
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