Ofer Kerzner

Bridging the Gap Between Israel and the UkraineOfer Kerzner, is an Israeli business man, entrepreneur, and strong proponent of Israeli-Ukranian ties. In 2013, he was appointed Honorary Consul of the Ukraine to Israel. Kerzner is an active philanthropist and is highly involved in community activities. He is a member of the International Real Estate Federation.BeginningsBorn in 1957, Ofer Kerzner completed his military service as a fighter pilot for the Israeli Air Force. In his early career, Kerzner oversaw the construction and management of the coffee house in Israel’s National Theater. He also developed a wider range of businesses including a pharmaceutical store chain for Maccabi Health Care Services, a baked goods factory managed today by Pillsbury, a toxic waste facility, and the Intima fashion store chain. He became an MGM licensee for the production and sales of electronic products in the United States. From 1998 onward, Ofer Kerzner was involved in business development products in the Ukraine including the construction and development of real estate, the advancement of agricultural projects throughout the Ukraine, and the promotion of the energy industry.Diplomatic ActivitiesAs an advocate for Ukraine-Israel ties, Ofer Kerzner has brought businessman from Israel to the Ukraine with the aim of strengthening trade between the two nations. He has also hosted a number of political delegates and business people from the Ukraine, thereby strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties. He has worked together with the President of the Ukraine to promote tourism between the two countries and assist the “Breslav Followers” in their visit to Uman. Ofer Kerzner was awarded the position of Honorary Consul to the Ukraine in 2013, where he serves today in the newly developed Ukrainian consulate in Jerusalem. Philanthropic activities and community involvementAs an active philanthropist, Ofer Kerzner has participated in many projects for the betterment of the community. He helped raise donations and establish the “Gesher Theater”, an Israel-based Russian language cultural theater. He has also participated in a wide range of projects bettering the conditions of both local and foreign born soldiers serving in the IDF. In the framework of the “Adopt a Soldier” project, he has adopted and provided aid to foreigners who came to Israel to serve in the IDF. He created a food stamp for soldiers without means and has supported the Israeli Boy Scouts and Native in their “Taglit” project, which brings young Jewish people to Israel to expose them to Israeli culture and way of life. Furthermore, Ofer Kerzner supports the Garin Tzabar program, which brings recruits young adults from all over the world to serve in the IDF. He is also a partner in the “Atidim” project, which provides financial support to lone soldiers during their time in the military and financial support for academic pursuits following their military service.