Early Life and Education
Shmuel Harlap was born in Israel around 1944. He served in the Golani Brigade during the Six-Day War. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Harlap furthered his education at Harvard University, where he received a Ph.D. in political philosophy specializing in Platonic thought between 1971 and 1975.
Rise to Success
Harlap entered the automotive sector in 1988, taking on a leadership role at Colmobil Group, which was founded by his father. Colmobil, under his chairmanship, expanded beyond its initial focus on Mercedes-Benz to include brands like Mitsubishi and Hyundai, capturing a significant share of the Israeli car market. His early investment in Mobileye, an automotive tech startup, proved particularly lucrative. This investment, made in 2001, resulted in a substantial return when Intel acquired Mobileye in 2017.
Key Business Strategies
Harlap's strategic acumen is evident in his diversification of Colmobil's offerings and his early recognition of the potential in automotive technology. He recognized the potential for growth within the Israeli market, particularly in the automotive sector. He continues to invest in innovative Israeli startups.
Philanthropy
Shmuel Harlap is also known for his philanthropic efforts. In August 2025, he and his wife Anat donated $180 million to Rabin Medical Center–Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, the largest single donation to an Israeli hospital. This donation will fund the construction of the "Tower of Hope", a facility dedicated to cardiology and neurology.