Leon H. Charney

Born to a struggling Jewish immigrant family from Eastern Europe, Leon Charney was an extraordinary man who achieved great success and bettered the lives of countless others. After putting himself through college and law school from the earnings he made as a cantor and shoeshine, he went on to build a very successful law practice.

Later he became a familiar figure at the White House corridors, providing assistance in the area of diplomacy that led to the reconciliation of many international conflicts: acting on the request of Israel's fourth Prime Minister Golda Meir, Leon Charney assisted in the negotiations to free 1,000 Jewish dissidents from the Soviet Union, and was referred to by the former US President Jimmy Carter as “One of the unsung heroes of the Middle East peace process," and that "Very few people have played as significant a role.” He entered the history books at the young age of 40 for his role in putting together a workable document that led to the 1978 Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt.

As the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University of Haifa, Leon Charney's unwavering support advanced and contributed to the development of the University as a center of research, academia, and national hub for multicultural cooperation. His vision and generosity led to the establishment of the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, which catapulted the University of Haifa to global prominence in this increasingly vital field.

All the while, Leon Charney supported the activities of the American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH), and was an invaluable friend to its executive board, working tirelessly to expand the circle of friends and supporters of the University in the US and regularly offering to host special events at his home. 
Leon Charney's philanthropic activities have set an example for all to follow. His philanthropic projects have been wide and varied, from student scholarships to marine biology. Following the devastating Carmel forest fire, he donated scholarships in memory of the police officers, prison service personnel and firefighters who perished in the disaster.

Inauguration of the Leon Charney School for Marine Sciences

Postcard to Sarah Charney from Haifa, 1967