Michel Gelrubin
Michel Gelrubin was born in Paris in 1949. His parents, Yitzhak and Bajla, were both survivors of the Holocaust. Born in Poland in the early 1900’s, they lived through World War II and the Nazi reign of terror in Eastern Europe.
Growing up as one of the relatively few second-generation survivors, Michel Gelrubin felt it was particularly important to convey a sense of Jewish heritage. Ever since he was a young adult, he has been a steadfast supporter of the State of Israel and has always been extensively involved in the community. Michel Gelrubin founded the Young Leadership in France back in the early 70’s.
Michel Gelrubin graduated from the University Paris-Dauphine where he studied Management. Short after school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and took over the business. The company Terrot was founded in 1949 and was distributing textile industrial equipment such as high-performance circular knitting machines and embroidery machines. Since its creation, The Terrot Group has been holding real estate assets and Michel has always been a true lover of architecture, wood and stone.
His devotion to philanthropy sprang from his success after more than 40 years in the business world.
What mattered the most to Michel was his family. He wanted to transmit as much as he could to his children and grandchildren. He mostly cared about the transmission of knowledge, of his experiences and his moral legacy.
Education has always held a significant place within the Gelrubin family. “That’s the only thing we really have,” as Michel’s father used to say, “the rest can be taken away overnight.”
Today, Education is Israel’s best weapon. Education is why Israel is ranked the world’s 8th most powerful country on the US News and World Report “Best Countries” list – after the US, China, Germany, UK, France, Russia and Japan.
The strong supporter of Israel, leading Paris philanthropist and real estate investor, died on Jan. 30, 2013, when he was just 63.
Samuel Gelrubin
Michel Gelrubin, of blessed memory, is survived by his two children, Samuel and Leslie; and five grandchildren, Jenna, Salomé, Micah, Josh and Isaac.
A year after his death, the Michel Gelrubin Architecture Prize was created at Tel Aviv University, and initiated by his son, Samuel, to celebrate Michel’s life, his values, his dedication to transmission, and his deep commitment to Israel.
“ My father was so humble and so generous. I understood that we were there to witness his legacy and his love for Israel and to follow in his footsteps. He would be so proud to see what he has helped build…He has planted a seed and it has grown exponentially. This is his legacy. And this is a legacy that we are proud to share with the students we manage to help in their achievements. “ (Leslie Gelrubin Benitah)
Michel Gelrubin knew how important the access to knowledge was. He was all about transmission and granting access to Education.
He knew that helping a student would make the nation of Israel smarter, safer and more secure.
Leslie Gelrubin Benitah