Israeli textile industry giant Dov Lautman dies at 77

Dov Lautman, recipient of the Israel Prize and a pillar of Israeli industry, died Saturday, aged 77.

The founder of textile company Delta, he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease 10 years ago and was paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his illness, the entrepreneurial giant was known for his philanthropic work.

Lautman was among the top manufacturers in Israel and one of the founders of the country's textile industry. He was awarded the Israel Prize in 2007 for his contribution to Israeli society. In addition to his business-related accomplishments with Delta, which became one of the leading undergarment companies in the world, Lautman donated extensively to education initiatives and to efforts to bridge gaps within Israeli society.

Born in 1936 in Tel Aviv, Lautman became CEO of textile company Sabrina at the age of 27. He also served as president of the Israel Manufacturers Association and head of the Coordinating Office of Economic Organizations in Israel. Lautman was also one of the founders of peace movement Dor Shalom. In his biography, "Don't Give Up," he tells the story of former Israel Manufacturers Association President Buma Shavit catching up to him while on a drive one day. Lautman rolled down his window and Shavit asked him if he wanted to head the association's labor committee, marking the beginning of his long history with the organization.

Lautman served as head of the Tel Aviv University Board of Directors, a board member of the Peres Center for Peace, and deputy chairman of the Abraham Fund Initiatives, which works to promote coexistence between Jews and Arabs.

He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, a debilitating motor neuron disease, in 2003. "The story began with discomfort in the right shoulder muscle," his biography reads. Lautman fought the disease for a decade until it took his life on Saturday.

The country's economic and political leadership eulogized the industry giant on Saturday night. President Shimon Peres, Lautman's good friend, said: "A rare man who dedicated his life to serve Israeli society and the nation passed away. He generously volunteered all he had to society with an open heart. 'Dubik' was a true pioneer and a seeker of peace. He established a modern industry, he went to the Galilee, he invested in industrial centers in Egypt and Jordan, he invested in education, in knowledge and in quality employment [opportunities] for many generations of Israeli youth. He was loved by all, loyal to everyone, a man without an ego. His contribution to the State of Israel is priceless."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned Lautman's passing. “Lautman was among those who laid the foundations of modern Israeli industry and the pioneers of moving to the track of advanced technology and export. Even when his illness limited him physically, he continued with his activities and worked to spread [his message] to the masses,” he said.

"Lautman was imbued with a sense of mission and concern for society as a whole, and especially for education. He supported higher education initiatives, established the movement Hakol Hinuch [Education is Everything] and he led the public's struggle over the character of education in Israel and about the importance of investing in it," said Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said: "The State of Israel lost a precious man. A man for whom truly everything was about education, just like the name of the organization he created."

Finance Minister Yair Lapid also reacted to Lautman's death, saying, "He was an example and a role model for those who do and do not only speak."

Lautman will be interred in a Tel Aviv cemetery on Sunday.

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