Early Life and Education
Shmuel Harlap was born in 1945 and raised in Rehovot and Haifa, Israel. His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Political Philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He furthered his studies, earning a Ph.D. in Platonic philosophy from Harvard University.
Rise to Success
Harlap's career took a significant turn when he joined the Colmobil Group. In 1982, he was appointed Chairman of Colmobil. Under his leadership, the company expanded its portfolio to include brands like Mitsubishi and Hyundai, eventually securing a substantial share of the Israeli car market. His business acumen and strategic decisions were instrumental in driving Colmobil's growth and financial success. This success contributed to Shmuel's substantial personal wealth.
Key Business Strategies
Harlap's key business strategies have been centered around identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities. By introducing new brands to the Israeli market and offering innovative features, he positioned Colmobil as a leader in the automotive sector. Moreover, Harlap has demonstrated a keen eye for investment, exemplified by his early investment in Mobileye, a tech startup. His strategic investments in the cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and life sciences sectors have further diversified his interests.
Philanthropy
Shmuel Harlap, along with his wife Anat, has been involved in several philanthropic endeavors. In 2023, following the October 7 attacks, they donated 120 Mitsubishi Space Star cars to support the devastated kibbutzim near Gaza. In August 2025, they made a record-breaking $180 million donation to Rabin Medical Center to construct a new heart and brain center called the "Tower of Hope".
