Tony Gelbart

Overview:

Tony Gelbart is an American Zionist “philanthropist” and businessman closely affiliated with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The businessman is president and CEO of Old City Partners LLC, an investment company with holdings in the US and Israel.¹

NGO Activities, from ‘Aliyah’ to the Republican Party

Gelbart is also chairman and co-founder of Nefesh B’Nefesh, an NGO established in 2001 focused on encouraging North American and British Jews to make Aliyah (migration to occupied Palestinian lands).² This NGO works in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel. Gelbart funds the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a neoconservative think tank. Gelbart is also affiliated with the Republican Jewish Coalition Board of Directors and the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF).³The FIDF is an American organization providing various forms of support for Israeli soldiers working with Nefesh B’Nefesh.⁴

Tony Gelbart (Far Right) with former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (2nd from Left) in a conference commemorating the Jewish Agency, Nefesh B’Nefesh and FIDF

Netanyahu Friendship

Gelbart has a close relationship with Netanyahu. He frequently assisted Netanyahu financially during his stay in the US and later donated to his Likud party campaigns.⁵ He is also one of the donors who contributed to Netanyahu’s Knesset campaigns.⁶ Netanyahu gave lectures on behalf of Gelbart, for a fee of $40,000. In one instance, Gelbart gave $6,500 to Netanyahu’s wife, Sara. In 2003, Netanyahu wrote a recommendation letter for Gelbart: “To Whom It May Concern: I consider Tony Gelbart a good friend. Over the past several years, I have come to know him as a business man, a philanthropist and close confidant. As a business man, family man and friend, I find that Tony exemplifies the highest standards of integrity and commitment. Tony’s commitment to strengthening the State of Israel as a country, and his commitment to businesses and creating jobs have proven an invaluable asset to me and the State of Israel. In addition, his tireless efforts also strengthen the ties of both people and businesses between the United States and Israel.”