Shari Arison
Owner, Arison Group
Businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison has worked for many years across business and philanthropy, driven by a vision of Doing Good.
Through Arison Investments, Shari founded Miya - a global company dedicated to water efficiency - with a vision to ensure the abundance of fresh water worldwide (the company was sold in 2019). In parallel, she led and advanced additional values across businesses she controlled: Financial Freedom at Bank Hapoalim, Sustainability at Shikun & Binui, and Vitality at Salt of the Earth (the companies were sold in 2018–2019).
Shari has always led businesses that create value for people, society, the environment, and the economy. For many years she worked toward systemic change, and in recent years decided to sell her companies - transitioning from a model of ownership to a model of influence without a controlling stake.
Today, her business activities are managed through SAFO, a family office and values-based investment platform working with carefully selected international funds and managers.
“Now I can continue creating impact through investments made from a place of harmony, creativity, and joy - focusing on initiatives that bring added value to the planet and to humanity.”
Shari ArisonOver many years, Shari Arison developed The Doing Good Model (DGM) - a practical, everyday tool for integrating values into the core of businesses, nonprofits, communities, and individuals. The Model's 13 universal values serve as a moral compass for every activity and project. The Model is studied at George Mason University in the United States, and the Mahuti organization - part of Essence of Life within the Arison Group — runs workshops based on it for organizations that invest in human capital and believe that doing good is good for business.
Shari established The Ted Arison Family Foundation for her father in the United States in the 1980s and in Israel in the 1990s - a private family foundation supporting a wide range of causes. Through the Foundation, she launched initiatives, some of which grew into independent organizations - including Matan, which she led for years to build a culture of corporate giving in Israel. She also founded Essence of Life - dedicated to raising awareness and providing tools for inner peace - encompassing an online radio station, website, and the Mahuti visitor center. Shari also founded Goodnet - an English-language platform that inspires doing good and connects people and organizations doing good around the world.
The Foundation is also home to Ruach Tova, Israel's leading volunteering organization, connecting volunteers with organizations throughout Israel. Through Ruach Tova, Shari founded Good Deeds Day - a peak day for doing good all year round, active in over 115 countries and involving millions of people worldwide. Today, her son Jason Arison serves as Chairman of the Foundation.
Forbes has ranked Shari among the world's most influential women and as one of the world's greenest billionaires, recognizing her environmental contributions in Israel and worldwide - reflected in her business activities.
Shari was named Honorary Fellow of the Decade by Reichman University (formerly the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya), where she served on the Board of Directors, and received the America–Israel League Partners for Democracy Award for her contribution to advancing economic relations between Israel and the United States.
She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by George Mason University, in appreciation for the application of fundamental human values to global business and organizations, and an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by Reichman University.
In June 2026, Shari Arison received the Presidential Award for Volunteering for "her groundbreaking vision in advancing a culture of giving, mutual responsibility, and volunteering in Israel and the world." The award citation read: "Good Deeds Day, which she initiated 20 years ago, has touched the heart of Israeli society in all its diversity and grown into a broad international social movement, inspiring millions of people around the world".
Shari has published 8 books, all bestsellers in Israel and worldwide, translated into multiple languages. Writing straight from the heart, she shares her personal journey toward deeper awareness and positive change - across a range of topics including spirituality, business, giving, art, and children's books.
She is active on social media, reaching more than 2 million followers worldwide with messages of unity and inspiration.
Shari Arison
Owner, Arison Group
Businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison has worked for many years across business and philanthropy, driven by a vision of Doing Good.
Through Arison Investments, Shari founded Miya - a global company dedicated to water efficiency - with a vision to ensure the abundance of fresh water worldwide (the company was sold in 2019). In parallel, she led and advanced additional values across businesses she controlled: Financial Freedom at Bank Hapoalim, Sustainability at Shikun & Binui, and Vitality at Salt of the Earth (the companies were sold in 2018–2019).
“Now I can continue creating impact through investments made from a place of harmony, creativity, and joy - focusing on initiatives that bring added value to the planet and to humanity.”
Shari ArisonShari has always led businesses that create value for people, society, the environment, and the economy. For many years she worked toward systemic change, and in recent years decided to sell her companies - transitioning from a model of ownership to a model of influence without a controlling stake.
Today, her business activities are managed through SAFO, a family office and values-based investment platform working with carefully selected international funds and managers.
Over many years, Shari Arison developed The Doing Good Model (DGM) - a practical, everyday tool for integrating values into the core of businesses, nonprofits, communities, and individuals. The Model's 13 universal values serve as a moral compass for every activity and project. The Model is studied at George Mason University in the United States, and the Mahuti organization - part of Essence of Life within the Arison Group — runs workshops based on it for organizations that invest in human capital and believe that doing good is good for business.
Shari established The Ted Arison Family Foundation for her father in the United States in the 1980s and in Israel in the 1990s - a private family foundation supporting a wide range of causes. Through the Foundation, she launched initiatives, some of which grew into independent organizations - including Matan, which she led for years to build a culture of corporate giving in Israel. She also founded Essence of Life - dedicated to raising awareness and providing tools for inner peace - encompassing an online radio station, website, and the Mahuti visitor center. Shari also founded Goodnet - an English-language platform that inspires doing good and connects people and organizations doing good around the world.
The Foundation is also home to Ruach Tova, Israel's leading volunteering organization, connecting volunteers with organizations throughout Israel. Through Ruach Tova, Shari founded Good Deeds Day - a peak day for doing good all year round, active in over 115 countries and involving millions of people worldwide. Today, her son Jason Arison serves as Chairman of the Foundation.
Forbes has ranked Shari among the world's most influential women and as one of the world's greenest billionaires, recognizing her environmental contributions in Israel and worldwide - reflected in her business activities.
Shari was named Honorary Fellow of the Decade by Reichman University (formerly the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya), where she served on the Board of Directors, and received the America–Israel League Partners for Democracy Award for her contribution to advancing economic relations between Israel and the United States.
She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by George Mason University, in appreciation for the application of fundamental human values to global business and organizations, and an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by Reichman University.
In June 2026, Shari Arison received the Presidential Award for Volunteering for "her groundbreaking vision in advancing a culture of giving, mutual responsibility, and volunteering in Israel and the world." The award citation read: "Good Deeds Day, which she initiated 20 years ago, has touched the heart of Israeli society in all its diversity and grown into a broad international social movement, inspiring millions of people around the world".
Shari has published 8 books, all bestsellers in Israel and worldwide, translated into multiple languages. Writing straight from the heart, she shares her personal journey toward deeper awareness and positive change - across a range of topics including spirituality, business, giving, art, and children's books.
She is active on social media, reaching more than 2 million followers worldwide with messages of unity and inspiration.