David Blumberg
David Blumberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 12, 1944 Haifa, Israel |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, public figure |
| Known for | Chairman of the National Library of Israel (2007–2022), CEO of United Mizrahi Bank, CEO of Tefahot Israel Mortgage Bank, chairman of Bank of Jerusalem |
David Blumberg (; born 12 September 1944) is a distinguished banker and influential public figure dedicated to promoting culture and education within Israel. He served as chairman of the National Library of Israel board from 2007 until 2022. His prior leadership roles include chairmanship of the Bank of Jerusalem and CEO positions at both United Mizrahi Bank and Tefahot Israel Mortgage Bank.
Biography
Originating from Haifa, David Blumberg is the son of Tova and Meir Blumberg. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science, along with an MBA, from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He lives in Jerusalem with his spouse and their three children.
Transforming the National Library of Israel
During his tenure as chairman between 2007 and 2022, Blumberg led a significant modernization effort for the National Library, adapting it to meet the technological and cultural challenges of the 21st century. His vision was to establish the library as a leading cultural and educational hub serving not only Israel but also the worldwide Jewish community and international visitors. This endeavor culminated in the inauguration of a new National Library campus located in Jerusalem’s National District.
Blumberg was instrumental in signing the National Library Charter at an event attended by Israel’s top state officials, and he also laid the foundation stone for the new facility situated near the Knesset.
Career in Banking
Between 1971 and 1981, Blumberg held multiple positions at the Bank of Israel, including deputy foreign trade supervisor and deputy director within its Credit Department.
From 1981 through 1995, he occupied executive roles at United Mizrahi Bank, which ranks as Israel’s fourth-largest banking institution. He served as CEO of Tefahot Israel Mortgage Bank—the country’s largest mortgage lender at that time—from 1988 to 1993, before becoming CEO of United Mizrahi Bank from 1993 to 1995. Following this, he was deputy chairman of the Bank of Jerusalem board from 1995 to 1998, then chairman from 1998 until 2006. Additionally, he contributed as a member of the Banking Advisory Committee at the Bank of Israel.
Blumberg also acted as a consultant and representative for international financial institutions operating in Israel. Notably, he served as senior advisor to ANZ Bank overseeing activities across Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan between 1997 and 2000. From 2006 to 2008, he represented Eurohypo, Europe’s largest real estate bank, within Israel.
His board memberships include publicly traded companies such as Osem, Bezeq, Africa Israel Investments, Mer Group, U-Bank, and EMI (Mortgage Insurance).
Between 1999 and 2002, Blumberg acted as an arbitrator in disputes involving the State of Israel and teachers’ unions; later, from 2006 to 2008, he chaired arbitration proceedings among the State, Hadassah, and the Israeli Medical Association.
Since 2008, he has held the position of chairman at the board of the Israeli Credit Insurance Company (ICIC).
Public Service
Blumberg actively participates in various philanthropic, cultural, educational, and civic initiatives. He has held positions on the Board of Governors for both the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Open University of Israel. Additionally, he contributed to the Management Committee at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research and served as a public delegate within Israel's National Labor Court.
The Adi Foundation
Established in 2002 by Blumberg to honor the memory of his late daughter Adi Dermer (née Blumberg), the Adi Foundation fosters artistic endeavors that explore the convergence of art and Judaism. It emphasizes the fusion of Jewish principles with creative design and artistic expression. The Foundation’s primary project is a biennial international contest that awards The Adi Prize for Jewish Expression in Art and Design, accompanied by a financial award. Beyond the competition, it hosts conferences and workshops and publishes catalogues related to each themed contest.
Awards and recognition
- In 2013, Blumberg was privileged to light a torch during Israel’s 65th Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl, acknowledging his contributions to the National Library and the Adi Foundation.
- In 2017, he was bestowed with the esteemed Yakir Yerushalayim (Honorary Citizen of Jerusalem) Award.
References
External links
- National Library of Israel renewal video, featuring David Blumberg (Hebrew)
- Tamar Barzilai, "David Blumberg resigns as chairman of Bank of Jerusalem", Ynet, July 17, 2005 (Hebrew)
- Adi Foundation website
- The National Library's renewal website
- Interview with David Blumberg on torch lighting (Hebrew)
- Sigal Klein, "My Jerusalem: Managers in Jerusalem tell personal stories", Kol Ha'Ir, May 25, 2017 (Hebrew)