Rambam Health Care Campus-Rambam Summit 2021-

Rambam Health Care Campus is proud and honored to bestow the 2021 Rambam Award upon The Leir Foundation in recognition of the exceptional achievements of its founders, Henry J. and Erna D. Leir, their commitment to improving lives, and their contributions to medical, cultural, humanitarian, business, and academic endeavors worldwide, including Israel and Rambam. Born in Germany, Mr. Leir (originally Heinrich HansLeipziger) was the oldest of six children. Upon his father’s death at the age of 11, he quickly learned the importance of putting good ideas into practice with, in his words, “Prussian” precision. His affinity for languages, geography, and chemistry, and interests in health, medical research, and humanitarian issues would be key aspects of his leadership for the rest of his life.

In 1929, Mr. Leir married Erna Dora Schloss, a modest woman who exhibited profound common sense, greats pontaneity, and boundless energy. Professionally, Mr.Leir moved up through the echelons of Germany’s largest mining and metals trading company – Wolf Netter & Jacobi, and then joined Magnesit GmbHin 1931. In 1933, anticipating future events, the Leirs left everything behind and found a safe haven in Luxembourg, where the foundations for his future business success were laid.

Mr. Leir became the financial advisor to the House of Nassau-Weilburg; established Société Anonyme des Minerais; and was invested as Grand Officer of the Grand Ducal Order of the Oak Crown of Luxembourg. Despite his prodigious business activities, he found time to write, under the pen name of “Tom Palmer", a visionary utopian novel that mirrored his passion– the leveraging of business to accomplish good at a global level.

Forced again to flee in 1938, the Leirs moved to the United States and became naturalized citizens. However, Luxembourg would always hold a special place in their hearts. Mr. Leir founded several companies in Luxembourg and the USA, all dealing with the international trading of minerals, metals, and fertilizers. With tremendous resources at their fingertips, the Leirs were able to pursue their deepest passion – making a positive impact on humankind. By 1968, they had sold their major business assets and focused on philanthropic activities.

Mrs. Leir was a constant through out his life. Together,they established several organizations that became known as The Leir Foundation, committed to their humanitarian ideals. Over their lifetime, the Leirs’ achievements were honored internationally, including being Knighted by the French Legion of Honor. Although Mrs. Leir passed away in 1996 and Mr. Leir in1998, their vision and legacy is being felt worldwide, including in the Diaspora, among Israeli communities, and here at Rambam.

In acknowledgement of all the aforesaid, the Honorary Awards Committee has found The Leir Foundation, established by Henry J. and Erna D. Leir, deserving of the 2021 Rambam Award.