Music – for a better world

Ted Arison was born in 1924, the elder son of Vera and Meir Arison, grandson of Moshe Arison, who immigrated to Israel in 1882 and settled in Zamarin (Zichron Ya’akov).  Ted joined the British Army in the 1940s and fought with the Jewish Brigade in Italy, under the command of the Hagana. He later fought in Israel’s War of Independence.

After the war Ted settled in Tel Aviv, and in 1954, after moving the family’s residence to the United States, he began his shipping business.  In 1991, Ted returned to Israel and established Arison Holdings, the platform used for the purchase of Bank Hapoalim and many other companies, including Shikun & Binui.

For Ted Arison, business success was not enough.  Like his father and grandfather before him, he was committed to helping others and the community.  His daughter Shari recalls that throughout his life, her father was guided by an inner voice which said that “a man must give back to the community in which he lives”.  In 1981 Ted established the Arison Foundation in the United States to manage his philanthropic activities.  Together with his wife Lin he also established the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, dedicated to assist young artists during the critical time in their artistic studies. After becoming Chairman of the International Committee for the Tel Aviv Foundation, Ted Arison donated the funds necessary to build the Conservatory’s auditorium, which carries his name.

“The secret of my success is summed up in one small word – excellence.  In everything you do, strive to remember this small word.  If you will yourself to do something that is less than excellent, know that it is just not enough.  And lastly, be optimistic.” (Ted Arison, 1998)

Striving for excellence is the guiding principle of the Ted Arison Family Foundation’s philanthropic activity throughout Israel.  Shari Arison, who managed the Foundation from 1986 to 2007, perceives giving as a great privilege, “… helping others… and helping to make this a better world.”

Following the generous donation for the establishment of the Conservatory’s auditorium (in the 1980s) and the library (in the 1990s) Shari Arison decided in 2007 to partner with the city of Tel Aviv and fund the establishment of the Conservatory’s new home, a modern facility constructed in compliance with the highest standards of international music houses.

Today, Jason, Shari’s son and Ted’s grandson, serves as Chairman of the Family Foundation and is involved in the renewal of the Conservatory.  As such, he continues the giving legacy of the Arison family.

We are grateful and proud to be among the esteemed establishments who receive donations for infrastructure development from the Ted Arison Family Foundation.

The “New House” project is both a great privilege and commitment.  We do our outmost to meet the high standards of the project in the belief that the new conditions and facilities will intensify the excellence which we have been harboring for over 60 years.