Abraham Ben Naftali

Chair, International Board|Weizmann Institute of Science

A much-respected member of Israel’s legal establishment, Abraham Ben-Naftali has combined a successful career in law with a commitment to public service.
After completing his undergraduate studies in Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he completed an LL.M. degree Summa cum Laude at Tel Aviv University. During his military service in the Israel Defense Forces, he served as military prosecutor and as president of a military court.
In 1963, Abraham established his own law firm, today called Ben-Naftali, Erez, Zahavi & Co. Specializing in the capital market, the firm is considered one of the leaders in its field, providing consultation and legal services to almost half of the country's mutual fund managers as well as to provident fund managers, stock exchange members, insurance companies, and others. An expert in company law, Abraham lectured on the subject at Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Law from 1968 to 1986 and then at the Law School of the College of Management Academic Studies.
Abraham Ben-Naftali brings his substantial business and legal experience to the various leadership positions he holds. He served as director on the Boards of several public companies and currently serves as member of the board of the Bible Lands Museum and the Artur Rubinstein International Music Society.
A loyal friend of the Weizmann Institute for many years, Abraham has served as a member of its Board of Governors since 1995 and a member of its Executive Council since 1996. From 2002-2008 he served as the Chair of the Executive Council and Executive Committee. His tenure was characterized by strong identification with the aspirations of the Weizmann Institute, unwavering support for its scientists, and devoted efforts to bring the Institute to the attention of potential supporters. Ben-Naftali also serves on the board of Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd., the Institute’s arm for technology transfer.
Among Abraham Ben-Naftali’s avocations are travel and photography. He and his wife, Dina, have toured extensively in the Far East, South America and most European countries, including Iceland and Russia, among other countries. He has combined his two hobbies in artistic pictorial impressions of his journeys, and exhibits of his photos have been held at the Shalom Mayer Gallery at the Shalom Tower in Tel Aviv, at Beit Gavriel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and in Paris.
The couple has two daughters: Professor Orna Ben-Naftali and Dr. Michal Ben-Naftali.