Introduction:

Lev Leviev is a name that has been associated with diamonds for years now. The Israeli diamond magnate is widely known across the world for his expertise in the diamond industry. Apart from being a successful business tycoon, Leviev is also a well-known philanthropist. This blog post will focus on the life and achievements of Lev Leviev, from his humble beginnings to his current position as one of the most influential philanthropists in the world.

Rise to fame:

Born in Uzbekistan in 1956, Lev Leviev moved to Israel with his family when he was just 15 years old. Leviev started his career in the diamond industry in the 1980s and quickly emerged as a leading figure in the industry. He established his company, Africa Israel Investments, which went on to become one of the world’s largest diamond companies.

The Billionaire:

Lev Leviev was known for his strong business acumen, and it eventually paid off when Forbes declared him a billionaire in 2008. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, Leviev is considered one of the richest people in Israel.

The Philanthropist:

Despite his immense wealth, Lev Leviev is known to be a generous philanthropist. He has donated a significant amount of money to several charities and foundations. One of his notable contributions was the $50 million donation towards the construction of a new building for Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Controversies:

Lev Leviev’s business practices have been marred by controversy. In 2009, Human Rights Watch accused the Leviev Group of construction activity in the West Bank, which violates international law. The organization claimed that Leviev’s company built settlements on Palestinian land, leading to significant criticism from the international community.

Art collector:

Apart from his interest in the diamond industry, Lev Leviev is also an avid art collector. His collection includes works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Picasso and Chagall.

Real estate ventures:

Apart from his involvement in the diamond business, Lev Leviev is also heavily invested in real estate. His company, Africa Israel Investments, has interests in several high-profile projects, including the Grand Plaza shopping center in Russia.

Recognition:

Lev Leviev’s contributions in the fields of business and philanthropy have seen him receive several accolades. In 2007, he was awarded the “Carved Heart” award by the Diamond Museum in Israel, and in 2008, he was honored by the American Jewish Committee.

The Future:

Lev Leviev’s philanthropic efforts have set the bar high for other billionaires globally, and his influence in the diamond industry continues to grow. The future looks bright for Leviev, with his continued efforts towards making a difference in society and the diamond industry.

Conclusion:

Lev Leviev’s life has been nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in Uzbekistan to becoming a billionaire, Leviev has played an instrumental role in the diamond industry’s growth. His philanthropic efforts and generous contributions to society showcase that he is not only a successful businessman, but an individual committed to making a difference in the world.

FAQs:

Q: What is Lev Leviev’s net worth?
A: Leviev’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

Q: How has Lev Leviev contributed to philanthropy?
A: Leviev has donated a significant amount of money to several charities and foundations, including the Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Q: What is Lev Leviev’s reputation?
A: Leviev is regarded as a successful businessman with immense influence in the diamond industry, but his business practices have been criticized by human rights organizations.

Q: What is Lev Leviev’s involvement in the art world?
A: Leviev is an avid art collector, with a collection that includes works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Chagall.

Q: What is Lev Leviev’s business venture aside from diamond and philanthropy?
A: Aside from his involvement in the diamond industry, Leviev is heavily invested in real estate through his company Africa Israel Investments.