| Bruce (Baruch) Rappaport 1922-2010 |
The Technion deeply mourns the passing of Bruce Rappaport, one of its most fervent supporters, whose vision in promoting medicine and medical research in Israel and in the world was legendary. Born in Haifa, Rappaport supported numerous causes in the city and was awarded Honorary Citizenship of Haifa in recognition of his generosity and dedication. Technion honored Rappaport in 1979 with a Doctorate of Science in Technology, and in 1998 with the Technion Medal.
Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie eulogized Rappaport at his funeral in Geneva, from which the following extracts epitomize the great man.
“Bruce used to say that the Hebrew word ‘Ve-Natanu’ (translated as ‘we gave’) reads the same both forwards and backwards and that giving was an integral part of his life. Israel was always in his heart, and this did not diminish when he became a “man of the world” and succeeded in international business. Along with his business affairs, Bruce never abandoned his philanthropic activities. He focused on contributions continuously promoting the fields of education, health and scientific initiatives. The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion, as well as the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA - all express Bruce’s great commitment and dedication to the medical research that promotes humankind and its wellbeing, health, and quality of life.
One of the first firms Bruce founded was International Maritime Supplies - (IMS). Bruce said that the initials expressed his motto that accompanied him throughout his whole life - I Must Succeed. He demanded of others exactly what he demanded of himself, and urged all of us on to struggle for success, achieve it and realize our dreams.
Bruce, however, had a great vision that he did not see realized: he hoped that the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute for Medical Research in his and Ruth’s name would become a center for medical studies and a source of regional support for all the countries of the Middle East. He hoped that his numerous connections with the Arab countries would help him build this path of peace. He aspired to have Israeli scientists lead their colleagues from the Arab countries and help them establish great research institutes, like our Rappaport Institute. Bruce used to quote his dear friend Mr Shimon Peres, who said that ‘illnesses have no boundaries and thus medicine can be a bridge to peace.’
We promise you, dear Baruch, that we will all continue your way and will try our best to make your great vision a reality.” |
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