Shari Arison

Shari Arison – Life, Business, and Philanthropic Vision

: Learn about Shari Arison (born September 9, 1957) — the American-Israeli businesswoman, heiress, and philanthropist. Study her biography, business ventures, “Doing Good” model, controversies, and legacy.

Introduction

Shari Arison is a prominent figure in Israeli business and philanthropy. Born in New York but raised between Israel and the U.S., she inherited a significant portion of her father’s wealth and built upon it through investment, activism, and a public commitment to “Doing Good.” Over decades, she has led major Israeli enterprises, launched philanthropic initiatives, and become a polarizing but influential voice in debates over social responsibility and corporate ethics.

Early Life and Family

  • Born: September 9, 1957, in New York City.

  • Parents: Ted Arison (business magnate, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines) and Mina Arison Sapir.

  • Sibling: Brother Micky Arison, who later ran Carnival.

  • After her parents divorced around 1966, she moved with her mother to Israel.

  • At age 12, she returned to live with her father in the U.S. for a period, before returning to Israel later.

  • She served in the Israel Defense Forces (as is customary in Israel).

  • She attended Miami Dade College for some time, though she did not complete a degree.

Business Career & Investments

Inheritance and Leadership

  • When her father Ted Arison died in 1999, Shari inherited about 35% of his assets and stepped into leadership over the family’s Israeli business interests.

  • She became the principal figure behind Arison Investments (or the Arison Group), the holding and investment arm for many of her enterprises.

Major Business Assets

Over the years, she held controlling or substantial positions in key Israeli companies:

  • Bank Hapoalim: Israel’s largest private bank. She was a controlling shareholder for about 21 years but gradually sold down her stake; by late 2018 she ceased to be controlling shareholder.

  • Shikun & Binui: A major construction and infrastructure company. She owned it for some 22 years before selling her stake in 2018.

  • Salt of the Earth (formerly Salt Industries): She owned and later sold this salt production business.

  • Miya: A water-efficiency / water management company launched under her vision to address global water scarcity.

She also participated in involvement and governance across other sectors—real estate, infrastructure, sustainability, and more.

Business Philosophy: “Doing Good”

One of the distinctive traits of Shari Arison’s public identity is her effort to integrate values, ethics, and social mission into business. Her official site and public statements emphasize:

  • The Doing Good Model: a framework she developed to embed positive values into all levels of business and organizational life.

  • Promoting the idea that companies should not only seek profit, but also contribute to social welfare, environment, and human flourishing.

  • Her businesses and philanthropic initiatives often overlap or support one another, aiming at synergy between commerce and charity.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Shari Arison is equally known for her philanthropic efforts and public initiatives.

Foundations and Projects

  • The Ted Arison Family Foundation: The family’s philanthropic arm, handling diverse charitable activities, many in Israel.

  • Good Deeds Day: Initiated in Israel in 2009, this volunteerism day encourages citizens to engage in acts of kindness and community service. Over time, it expanded to many countries around the world.

  • Essence of Life and related ventures: These include spiritual and inner growth initiatives aligned with her belief in personal and social transformation.

  • Support for health, culture, education, Holocaust survivors, and nonprofit infrastructure across Israel.

Recognition & Awards

  • In 2010, she received the Partners for Democracy Award from the America–Israel Friendship League for contributions to the economic relationship and social initiatives.

  • She has been ranked multiple times by Forbes among the most powerful women and leading business figures in Israel and beyond.

  • In 2016, she was awarded the Medal of Light (Itur Ha’or) by the Israeli Knesset, acknowledging her work for Holocaust survivors and Israeli society.

Controversies & Criticism

No public figure of her scale avoids critique. Some of the main controversies associated with Shari Arison include:

  • Layoffs at Bank Hapoalim (2003): Around 900 employees were dismissed under her watch, triggering public protests and criticism of her approach toward labor and corporate responsibility.

  • Balancing profit and ethics: Critics argue that her rhetoric of “doing good” may mask or underplay the tensions inherent in large-scale capitalism, especially when business interests conflict with social or environmental goals.

  • Sale of key holdings: The divestment or reduction of stakes in once core companies (Bank Hapoalim, Shikun & Binui) raised questions about the sustainability of her control and direction over these enterprises.

Personality & Public Image

Shari Arison projects an image of someone who fuses business, spirituality, and social mission. Her official narrative emphasizes values, inner meaning, and holistic wellbeing. Activate Your Goodness.

Though she is sometimes seen as idealistic, others perceive her as pragmatic and strategic in navigating Israel’s business and political complex environment.

Legacy & Influence

  • Her emphasis on business with conscience has pushed discourse in Israel (and beyond) about the role of companies in social good.

  • As one of Israel’s wealthiest women, she is a role model — and target — for debates around inequality, corporate governance, and philanthropy’s place in civil society.

  • Good Deeds Day has grown into a global volunteer movement, creating a concrete, annual ritual for collective social engagement.

  • The “Doing Good Model” remains a reference point for those seeking to embed values into organizations.

Whether her long-term legacy will be measured in financial success, social change, or both remains to be fully decided.

Articles by the author

It's important to think good, speak good, and do good. If we want to see positive change in the world, then we need to connect to goodness. I try in everything I do, both in business and philanthropy, to make a positive change and do that by doing good.

Shari Arison

Putting forward your positive energy connects you back to basic human values which we all share. Good Deeds Day shows that no matter the size of the gesture, a smile that brightens someone else's day or volunteering in your community, we can all take active part in making a difference.

Shari Arison

Even a smile is a good deed.

Shari Arison

Good Deeds Day is based on a simple idea that every person can do a good deed for the benefit of others and the planet. Even a smile that brightens someone else's day is a good deed. I initiated Good Deeds Day to spread the message that everyone can give of themselves, according to their heart's desire.

Shari Arison

Sustainability is the key to our survival on this planet and will also determine success on all levels.

Shari Arison

Many of us are experiencing a phase of change, shedding outdated patterns and liberating ourselves from the old by moving on to the new. The year 2012 is an important one for mankind, a pivotal year. The potential for this exists in the mere fact that the majority of us are yearning for change.

Shari Arison

Doing Good is a simple and universal vision. A vision to which each and every one of us can connect and contribute to its realisation. A vision based on the belief that by doing good deeds, positive thinking and affirmative choice of words, feelings and actions, we can enhance goodness in the world.

Shari Arison