Early Life
Morris Kahn was born in Benoni, South Africa, in 1930, to Jewish immigrant parents from Lithuania. He immigrated to Israel in 1956 at the age of 26, influenced by his Zionist ideals. His early ventures in Israel included a bicycle factory, a leather gloves factory, and a cattle breeding operation. He was an active member of the Zionist youth group, Habonim.
Rise to Success
Kahn's significant breakthrough came in 1968 when he founded Golden Pages (Yellow Pages) in Israel. He co-founded Amdocs in 1982, a software firm, which became a key player in the telecommunications sector. Kahn sold his shares in Amdocs for approximately $1 billion in 1998. He also co-founded the Aurec Group, which facilitated the introduction of cable television and international communications services in Israel.
Key Business Strategies
His business strategy was marked by an ability to identify and capitalize on emerging technologies. He focused on creating innovative solutions for the telecom industry and played a role in bringing international companies like AT&T and AIG into the Israeli market. His investments in Aurum Ventures, and clean-tech companies, showcase his focus on the future.
Philanthropy
In recent years, Kahn has dedicated himself to philanthropy. His initiatives include supporting biomedical research, cancer research, educational programs, and environmental conservation. He has invested significantly in cutting-edge cancer research and the Morris Kahn & Maccabi Health Data Science Institute. He supports various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others, including Save a Child's Heart and SpaceIL.