Latest News Article
Tamir Sapir Receives Torch of Honor Award from New York Association for New Americans
NEW YORK- Tamir Sapir, chairman of The Sapir Organization, was honored at the Fourth Annual Torch of Honor Awards dinner given by the New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) on November 10, 2005. Mr. Sapir was recognized for his outstanding support of the NYANA mission of providing financial assistance and guidance to new immigrants. Mr. Sapir has built a substantial real estate portfolio in Manhattan after immigrating from the former Soviet Union almost three decades ago.
The Sapir Organization is a family owned, multinational New York based real estate holding and development company, with over 7 million square feet of prime Manhattan commercial office space. In addition to 100 Church Street the company owns 11 Madison Ave, 2 Broadway, 260-261 Madison Avenue, 384 Fifth Ave, as well as two converted residential buildings 50 Murray Street and 53 Park Place, among other properties located in lower Manhattan.
"We are thrilled to present this award to Tamir Sapir who is truly an American success story. Tamir is an extraordinary example of the spirit and opportunity America offers immigrants of the world," said Michael Loeb, chairman of NYANA’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Sapir left the Soviet Union in the early 1970’s. He settled in Israel and then migrated to the United States where his life in the business community began with the purchase of a taxi medallion in New York City. He then mortgaged the medallion and invested his life savings in a wholesale electronics store on Fifth Avenue which subsequently became a major retail consumer outlet for the Russian community, visiting Soviet dignitaries and trade delegations seeking to purchase state-of-the-art electronics. As a result of his business dealings, Mr. Sapir was invited to join the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Trade and Economic Council.
His membership on the council lead to Mr. Sapir establishing a trading business, Joy Lud International Distributors, Inc. Subsequently, Mr. Sapir became one of the major foreign distribution partners for the oil industry in Russia. His financial success in the oil industry paved the way for his dramatic climb in Manhattan real estate, leading to current portfolio of over 7 million square feet of prime Manhattan commercial space.
Mr. Sapir’s philanthropic work in the Russian community is extensive. He is a firm believer in the preservation of culture and provides assistance to those from the former Soviet Union to begin their new life in the United States. In recognition of his many achievements he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2000. He is on the Board of Directors of the Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations. He also provides support for many charitable organizations such as the Russian Gift of Life, Inc., The Russian Children’s Welfare Society and the Scholarship Fund.. His philanthropic work outside the Russian community includes The Starlight Children’s Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the National Tourette Syndrome Association, the American Opera Music Theater Company and Madison Square Park Conservatory, among many others. In addition to his many charitable activities, Mr. Sapir has funded the construction of synagogues both in the United States and abroad.
