Shlomo Moussaieff (businessman)
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Shlomo Moussaieff (born circa 1925) is an Israeli millionaire of Bukharian Jewish descent who has lived in London since the early 1960s. He is the son of Rehavia Moussaieff, and grandson of Shlomo Moussaieff of Bukhara. He made most of his fortune by selling precious jewelry to international royalty and high society, especially Saudis and Gulf Arabs. He speaks Arabic fluently. The average price of a necklace in his store, located in the Hilton hotel in London's Mayfair district, is over a million dollars.[citation needed]
[edit] Biography
At the age of 11 Moussaieff’s father, Rehavia threw him out of the house because Moussaieff refused to pray.[citation needed] The young rebellious Moussaieff didn’t believe in God. In the years he spent in the ancient caves of Sanhedria he started his collection of Jewish antiquity. He was caught robbing an ancient grave and was put in a school for delinquent youth. There he learned the Arabic language and culture from his Arab comrades, which later saved his life and contributed to his abilities as a merchant.
During World War II, when he was 17 years old Moussaieff was drafted into the British army. After the fighting ceased, he found many Kabbalah books in the treasuries of deserted synagogues in Italy. These books where to follow him for the rest of his life.[citation needed]
In 1948 Shlomo fought in the old city of Jerusalem. When the city fell into the hands of the Jordanian Legion, he was taken captive and was imprisoned for a year.[citation needed] At this time, with his tremendous ability to turn any disaster into a fruitful and learning experience, young Moussaieff planted the seeds of his future business.
Shlomo’s greatest affection is to the Bible and it’s hidden wisdom. His passion for the Bible led him over the last half-century to purchase the richest collection of Biblical archaeology.
Some notable family members include:
Dorrit Moussaieff is the daughter of Shlomo Moussaieff of London. She is the First Lady of Iceland and is married to the current President of Iceland, Mr Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.
Shdema Moussaieff, a noted psychologist and author is the sister of Shlomo Moussaieff.
Alon Moussaieff, a Jerusalem jewelry merchant is the brother of Shlomo Moussaieff.
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson is the son of Jacques Masson, the grandson of Henri Moussaieff, and is the great grandson of Shlomo Moussaieff (rabbi)
James Raphael is the son of Henriette Masson, the grandson of Henri Moussaieff, and is the great grandson of Shlomo Moussaieff (rabbi)
[edit] See also
- Dorrit Moussaieff
- Olafur Ragnar Grimsson
- Shlomo Moussaieff (rabbi)
- Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
- James Raphael