Key Facts
Type
Person
Sector
ngo
Industry
Not specified
Status
Draft
Country
United States
Nationality
IsraeliAustralian
Birth Date
Not specified
Death Date
Not specified
Sex
Not specified
Also Known As
IzzyI. TapoohiIsidore TapoohiIsrael Tapoohi
Tags
Zionist activisttelecommunications executivegovernment advisorinvestor
Overall Confidence
92%
Internal Notes
No notes
Career & Education
Positions
Treasurer
Likud
1993 - 1997
Liaison to Foreign Investors and Economic Policy Advisor
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office
1996 - 1999
Chairman of the Board
Africa-Israel Investments Ltd.
1996
Executive Chairman of the Board
Bezeq Israel Telecom Ltd.
1997 - 2000
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
InQSOFT Ltd.
2000 - 2004
Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee
Strauss Group Ltd.
2002 - 2008
Director
Israel Electric Corporation
2004 - 2007
Member, 100 Days Team
Second Netanyahu Government
2009
Member of Advisory Forum
Ministry of Finance (Israel)
2009 - 2011
Chairman
Tel Aviv Centennial Properties Ltd.
2010
Education
Bachelor's degree
University of Melbourne
Business Administration, Accounting, and Economics
About
Izzy Tapoohi was born in Israel and raised in Melbourne, Australia, where he earned a degree in business administration, accounting, and economics from the University of Melbourne. He served as a Zionist activist in New South Wales and chairman of the local aliyah organization. His career included involvement in real estate and venture capital investments, serving as Executive Chairman of the Board of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications provider, and being appointed to top-level advisory positions with the first and second Netanyahu governments. He later became former President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation and former President of Israel Bonds.
Key Relationships
Birthright Israel
managed
Izzy Tapoohi led the Birthright Israel Foundation, the U.S.-based fundraising arm, from 2017 to 2023. His tenure bridged the gap between old-guard donors like Steinhardt and the current reliance on the Adelson family, managing the financial transition during the 2018-2019 misconduct scandals.
Since 2017
Benjamin Netanyahu
advisor
From 1996 to 1999, Tapoohi served as Benjamin Netanyahu's liaison to foreign investors and coordinated the think tank that advised the Prime Minister's Office on economic policy. This was a direct, volunteer advisory role during Netanyahu's first term as Prime Minister, positioning Tapoohi at the nexus of foreign capital and Israeli government economic strategy.
Since 1996
Yuval Steinitz
collaborated
Following the formation of the second Netanyahu government in March 2009, Tapoohi was appointed to the '100 Days Team' where he worked directly with Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz to develop guidelines and policies aimed at keeping Israel's economy resilient during the global recession. Tapoohi later served from May 2009 to May 2011 on a forum of businessmen, economists, and academics advising Steinitz's Finance Ministry on macro-economic policy.
Since 2009
Likud Party
board_member
From May 1993 through April 1997, Tapoohi served as the treasurer for the Likud Party on a voluntary basis. This role gave him direct access to the party's financial operations and leadership during a period when the party transitioned from opposition to government following Netanyahu's 1996 election victory.
Since 1993
Richard Hirsch
introduced
Richard Hirsch, as Chairman of the Board of Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, welcomed Tapoohi's appointment as President and CEO on October 31, 2011, praising Tapoohi's 'forward-looking business acumen, together with his heartfelt Zionist ideals.' The appointment itself followed a recommendation from Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, showing a network of political and organizational leaders who placed Tapoohi in this influential fundraising role.
Since 2011
RT
Regina Tapoohi
spouse
Regina Tapoohi (formerly Lossak) is married to Izzy Tapoohi. She held a senior position at Israel's Justice Ministry in trans-border criminal law. In September 2013, she was named Senior Delegate to the United Nations on behalf of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and was elected to its board of governors in November 2014. The couple has three daughters and one son.
Recent Events
Hosted: Michael Gamson → Izzy Tapoohi
On July 26, 2022, Michael Gamson and his wife Barbara hosted a fundraising event at their Aspen home for Birthright Israel Foundation, which Izzy Tapoohi attended as President & CEO. The event gathered over 60 high-net-worth guests to support the organization, demonstrating Gamson's role as a key financial conduit and social connector for Birthright's donor network.
7/26/2022
Managed: Izzy Tapoohi → Birthright Israel
Izzy Tapoohi led the Birthright Israel Foundation, the U.S.-based fundraising arm, from 2017 to 2023. His tenure bridged the gap between old-guard donors like Steinhardt and the current reliance on the Adelson family, managing the financial transition during the 2018-2019 misconduct scandals.
1/1/2017
Represented: Michael Wildes → Izzy Tapoohi
Michael Wildes of Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. secured an O-1 visa approval for Izzy Tapoohi to enable him to serve as President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation in the United States. The O-1 visa is designated for individuals of extraordinary ability in business, requiring substantial documentation of sustained national or international acclaim.
1/1/2016
Moved to United States
Professional relocation for Birthright Israel Foundation.
1/1/2016
Appointed Chairman of Tel Aviv Centennial Properties Ltd.
Investing in and managing retail properties in central Tel Aviv.
6/1/2010