# Jack Mahfar

Jack Mahfar (born 1931 in Esfahan, Iran) is an Iranian businessman known for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and philanthropic initiatives in Iran and Europe.

## Early life and career

Mahfar began his career in the pharmaceutical industry while assisting Dr. Moussa Bral at his private pharmacy in Tehran. He eventually founded Mahfar Co., representing multiple international pharmaceutical companies, including Astra of Sweden. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly and started producing medications under licenses from European firms.
During his time in Iran, Mahfar proposed a project for establishing a pharmaceutical factory to produce essential drugs locally, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and enhance affordability for consumers. This project was supported by international firms but was halted due to the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

## Philanthropy and community contributions

Mahfar contributed significantly to the Iranian Jewish community and the broader society. He funded the construction of schools, nursing homes, and homes for employees. His efforts were recognized by Iranian Jewish leaders and government officials.
After his emigration to Switzerland, Mahfar continued his philanthropic activities, including building synagogues in Israel, supporting medical centers, and funding educational initiatives such as the Encyclopædia Iranica.

## Emigration from Iran

Following the Islamic Revolution, Mahfar's business was nationalized, and he relocated to Geneva. In Switzerland, he established a new pharmaceutical business and engaged in humanitarian efforts, including aiding in the release of Iranian Jews imprisoned in Shiraz.

## Recognition and awards

Mahfar received multiple awards for his contributions:
* Legion of Honor Award from French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his philanthropic efforts.
* President's Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 30, 2014.

## Sources

* 1 2 3 4 "Jack Mahfar - Iranian Jewish Culure". 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
* ↑ debbie62140 (2010-06-19). Légion d'honneur presented by president Nicolas Sarkozy in London 18th June 2010. Retrieved 2025-01-12 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
* ↑ "President honors eight Israelis with presidential award". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2014-01-30. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
* From Laborer to Entrepreneur, Memoirs of Jack Mahfar, First Edition, Fall 2013 http://jmahfar.com/english.html
* اعطای مدال افتخار ریاست جمهوری اسرائیل به ژاک ماهفر یهودی http://mfa.gov.il/MFAFA/IsraelExperience/IraniansInIsrael/Pages/20140130-Peres-Mahfar.aspx
* از کارگری تا کارآفرینی - خاطرات ژاک ماهفر - بازگشت به .. http://jmahfar.com/world-personality.html
* رونمایی از کتابی تازه درباره زندگی یهودیان ایران‌زمین - رادیو فردا http://www.radiofarda.com/content/f2_iran_losangeles_ehsan_yarshater_jewish_communities_hooman_sarshar/24374361.html
* گفتگوی رادیو اسرائیل با آقای منشه امیر درباره کتاب و ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OJC_YPxEyA
* نقد و معرفی : امیر حسین دیانی http://rahavard.com/Reviews/99-Review-Mahfar.pdf
* یک ایرانی، به زودی بزرگ ترین نشان افتخار فرانسه را می گیرد https://faryadiran.wordpress.com/