Barry Howard Liben (August 27, 1952 – January 2, 2020) was an American Jewish leader and philanthropist born in Brooklyn, New York, to a family that experienced marital breakdown, leaving him on his own at age 15 after his parents separated. A high school dropout who never attended college, he began working in a Brooklyn deli sub-basement, handling jobs like leaflet distribution, meat delivery, and frozen foods. From age 4, he was deeply involved in the Zionist youth movement Betar (founded by Ze'ev Jabotinsky), progressing from camper to counselor to director, where he educated youth, led protests for Jewish rights, and formed lifelong friendships that profoundly shaped his values of honor, strength, and standing up for Israel. He served as a longtime director of Betar USA, influencing thousands.

In his career, Liben acquired the small Tzell Travel Group (named after 'Etzel'/Irgun) from Betar offices in 1977, serving as President and CEO until 2015, growing it from three employees and $450k debt to a luxury travel powerhouse with over 700 agents, $800M+ sales, and offices in the US and UK. He then chaired Tzell from 2016 to 2020. Concurrently, as CEO of Travel Leaders Group from 2008 to 2015, he oversaw its merger with Tzell and expanded sales from $7B to $20B through acquisitions like Protravel International, Vacation.com, and Nexion, plus international growth; he remained a board member post-2015. Known for his street smarts, quick decisions, loyalty, negotiation skills, and redefining the travel industry, he was also a rabid New York Giants fan.

A generous philanthropist, mentor, and described as a 'mensch' and loyal friend, Liben was a champion of Israel and Jewish causes. He served as International Chairman of the Board of Birthright Israel from its founding until 2015. He was a board member of the Israel Community Development Foundation, National Stuttering Association, American Friends of Duvdevan (joined shortly before his death), and the Protravel and Tzell Foundation (established post-Hurricane Sandy).

In his personal life, Liben married Sindy Bachner (a registered nurse he met at Betar camp) at age 25. They had three children: Michael, Daniella, and Rebecca Liben, and seven grandchildren. Family was central to his life, and he was an avid reader of The Economist, Forbes, and newspapers since age 6. Liben passed away in New York at age 67 after prolonged health battles.