ROME - Romanian-born businessman Dan David, who set up a foundation to award $1 million prizes to people who make an impact on society in science, culture, and other fields, died Tuesday.He was 82.
Mr. David’s son, Ariel, said his father suffered a brain hemorrhage and passed away at a hospital in southwest London.
With Romania’s communist authorities frowning on his involvement in a Zionist youth movement, Mr. David left the country in 1960 and immigrated to Israel. He made his fortune as an early developer of automatic photo machines. He lived in Italy, Britain, and Israel.
The Dan David Foundation awards three $1 million prizes each year for achievements having an outstanding scientific, technological, cultural, or social impact on the world. Winners have included the moviemaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen, Vice President Al Gore, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The prize’s website sums up Mr. David’s philosophy: “Success can be a source of satisfaction, but money should be put to work for good causes after personal needs have been met.’’
Joseph Klafter, Tel Aviv University’s president, expressed sorrow in a statement, calling Mr. David “a renaissance man’’ and “a true friend of Tel Aviv University.’’ The Dan David prize is handed out at the university.
Mr. David leaves his wife, Gabriela, and a son.
A funeral is planned for tomorrow in Israel.