Ofer found himself in the spotlight two weeks ago after the U.S. State Department accused one of his shipping companies of doing business with Iran, thus violating sanctions. The Ofer Brothers Group has denied any wrongdoing.
Though Ofer's personal wealth is difficult to estimate, in 2011 Forbes put the figure at $10.3 billion, making him the 79th wealthiest person in the world and the wealthiest man in Israel. TheMarker estimated $4.85 billion.
Ofer was a businessman and shipping magnate, who had many dealings with the Israeli government. He had built up his shipping empire over the past 50 years, and used his profits to buy control of Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot and the Israel Corporation. He ran multiple venues, including the Dead Sea Works, Zim shipping company and oil refineries.
Ofer's main residence was in Monaco, but he also had a home in Tel Aviv's Akirov Towers and donated generously to Israeli institutions, particularly hospitals.
He is survived by his wife Aviva, his sons Eyal and Idan, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
