Arcadi Gaydamak: The Enigmatic Life of a Businessman, Philanthropist, and Political Figure
Biography of Arcadi Gaydamak
Arcadi Aleksandrovich Gaydamak, born on April 8, 1952, in
Moscow, USSR, is a Russian-born French-Israeli businessman, philanthropist, and
President of the Congress of Jewish Religious Communities and Organizations of
Russia (KEROOR). His multifaceted career spans various countries and
industries, reflecting a complex and often contentious legacy.
Early Life and Immigration to Israel
At the age of 20, Gaydamak emigrated from the Soviet Union
to Israel, becoming one of the first Jews to do so during Leonid Brezhnev's
era. He settled in Kibbutz Beit HaShita and studied Hebrew at an ulpan.
Initially intending to serve in the Israeli Army, his plans shifted, leading
him to relocate to France. There, he established a translation bureau, marking
the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Expansion into International Ventures
In 1982, Gaydamak expanded his business by opening a branch
of Gaydamak Translations in Canada. Following the collapse of the USSR, he
capitalized on emerging opportunities in Russia and Kazakhstan, establishing
various business entities across Europe. His investments spanned real estate in
France and Israel, ownership stakes in Kazphosphate (the world's largest
phosphate producer), a gold mine, and a metal processing plant in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, he acquired the Russian weekly publication Moskovskiye Novosti
and invested in food distribution in Russia and oil fields and granaries in
Angola.
Arcadi Gaydamak: The Enigmatic Life of a Businessman, Philanthropist, and Political Figure / Biography of Arcadi Gaydamak#age#net worth#investor#
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Efforts
Gaydamak's philanthropic endeavors are notable. During the
2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, he established a tent village on Nitzanim beach,
providing shelter to thousands of families displaced by the conflict. His
contributions during this period amounted to approximately $15 million. In
November 2006, he funded a one-week vacation in Eilat for residents of Sderot,
a city frequently targeted by rocket attacks from Gaza. He has also donated to
organizations such as Magen David Adom and Hatzolah, and pledged $50 million to
the Jewish Agency for Israel, later donating $10 million.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Gaydamak's career has been marred by several legal issues.
In October 2009, he and French magnate Pierre Falcone were convicted by a
French court for organizing arms trafficking in Angola during the civil war in
1993-98, amounting to $790 million. He was sentenced in absentia to six years
in prison. However, his conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in
Paris on April 29, 2011. In November 2015, Gaydamak began a three-year prison
term in France for tax offenses and money laundering linked to the Angolagate
arms-trading and corruption scandal.
In addition to the Angolagate affair, Gaydamak was indicted
in the Tel Aviv District Court in October 2009 on suspicions of money
laundering through Bank Hapoalim, along with several bank managers and
Italian-Israeli businessman Nahum Galmor. In a plea deal, charges for
laundering money were dropped, and Gaydamak received a one-year suspended
sentence and fine.
Political Involvement and Media Ownership
In February 2007, Gaydamak established a party focused on
addressing socio-economic issues in Israel, naming it Social Justice. While
initially formed as a social movement, there were discussions about the party
participating in the upcoming municipal elections in 2008. In November 2008,
Gaydamak decided to run for mayor of Jerusalem. Despite his efforts, his party
did not secure any seats on the city council. Throughout his campaign, he
actively sought support from the Palestinian community in East Jerusalem. He
engaged with prominent Palestinian figures, including the Grand Mufti of
Jerusalem, Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, and other political leaders and media
outlets. Gaydamak's outreach efforts led to significant attention and almost an
endorsement from the Palestinian community.
In the media sector, Gaydamak expanded his influence by
acquiring the French newspaper France Soir through his company Moscow News in
March 2006. This acquisition followed his purchase of the Russian newspaper
Moskovskie Novosti in 2004. Upon acquiring Moskovskie Novosti, Gaydamak
implemented significant changes, including the dismissal of senior journalists
and a shift in the paper's editorial stance to align with pro-government
sentiments. His foray into media ownership underscores his diversified business
interests and his influence in shaping public discourse through media
platforms.
Recent Developments and Legal Disputes
In May 2022, Gaydamak accused three individuals—a female
banker in Luxembourg and her Israeli partner, as well as an Israeli national in
Cyprus—of being involved in a $600 million fraud case against him. The
allegations highlight ongoing legal challenges and disputes in his business
dealings.
Legacy and Current Status
As of 2025, Arcadi Gaydamak remains a figure of significant influence and controversy. His extensive network of business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and political engagements have left a lasting impact on various sectors. Despite the legal challenges and controversies, his legacy continues to shape discussions in business, politics, and philanthropy.
