INMEMORY OF RUTH AND BRUCE RAPPAPORT In 2010, as Bruce Rappaport's funeral service ended, Bruce's pleasant voice singing his favorite song, My Way by Frank Sinatra, broke the silence... He sang it the way only he knew how, emphasizing the words "I did it my way", and finished the song laughing, which sent a shiver through the crowd. Bruce Rappaport conveyed his belief through the song that characterized him so. With his wife Ruth (may she rest in peace), he led a full life, combining outstanding success in business and a passion for the arts and culture, with a social commitment to promote culture and science, health and education. A pioneer, he understood the concept of social responsibility earlier than most. Bruce Rappaport (1922–2010) was born in Haifa, served in the British Army, and was among the founders of the Military Police. He completed his legal studies and served as a military defense attorney. Upon his discharge, he entered the shipping business, recognizing early the rise in energy prices. This foresight enabled him to build a fleet of 74 ships and containers. Later, he ventured into banking and became the largest private investor in the Bank of New York, founded in 1784, which had financed the U.S. War of Independence and was one of the world’s most significant banks. After some time, the Bank of New York joined Bruce Rappaport as a partner in the bank he established in Geneva. Concurrently, he engaged in oil exploration in Siberia and Georgia, established refineries, and operated oil container ships across the globe. Always seeking challenges, Bruce ventured into countries previously untouched by Israelis. He used his extensive connections to benefit the State of Israel and Jewish affairs worldwide. Occasionally, he proposed “out-of-the-box” ideas, not all of which were realized or publicized. Ruth Rappaport (1924–2018) was born in Berlin, immigrated to Israel with her parents and brother in 1933, and grew up in Haifa, where she met and married Bruce. Throughout the years, Ruth stood by his side, and together, they made remarkable contributions to science and culture. They supported institutions such as the Technion, Rambam Hospital, BarIlan University, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, WIZO, and the municipalities of Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Or Akiva. They also initiated and established the Rappaport Institute for Medical Research and supported Professors Avram Hershko and Aaron Ciechanover when they received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They founded the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion, the Rappaport Cultural and Arts Center in Haifa, the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at RambamMedical Center, daycare centers, kindergartens, and welfare programs under WIZO’s auspices. Over the years, Ruth took the lead in the family’s philanthropic endeavors, emphasizing culture, education, science, and women’s empowerment. She established the Rappaport Prize program, awarded in three categories: art, medical research, and pioneering women. She also initiated the creation of the Rappaport Center for Cancer Research at the Technion. Ruth and Bruce Rappaport loved listening to classical music and never missed an opportunity to attend a good concert, particularly by their beloved Israel Philharmonic, which they supported generously. The remarkable legacy of Bruce and Ruth Rappaport, who passed away in February 2018, is carried forward by their daughters—Irith, Vered, Shoshana (who passed away in July 2022), and Noga—as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May their memory be blessed!
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