Morris Kahn (born 1930) is an Israeli entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Amdocs, a multinational software and services company specializing in communication and media services. He is widely recognized as one of Israel’s most prominent technology pioneers and a major benefactor of scientific, medical, and educational initiatives.
Early life and education
Morris Kahn was born in 1930 in Mandatory Palestine (now Israel). He grew up in Tel Aviv and pursued studies in electrical engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, graduating with a B.Sc. in 1954.Technion Alumni Records, 1954. Following his graduation, Kahn served in the Israel Defense Forces, where he worked in the Signal Corps, gaining experience in telecommunications and computer systems.
Career
Early ventures
After completing his military service, Kahn entered the private sector, initially working for the Israel Telephone Company (now Bezeq). In 1968 he founded Bri-Link, a company that provided data communication solutions for the Israeli market.“Bri-Link: A Pioneer in Israeli Data Communications”, Haaretz, 1972.
Founding of Amdocs
In 1982, Kahn co‑founded Amdocs (originally American Mobile Data Services) with Israeli businessman Shlomo Karam. The company’s first product was a billing and customer care system for the then‑state‑run telecommunications provider, the Israel Telephone Company.Amdocs Corporate History, 2020. Under Kahn’s leadership, Amdocs expanded internationally, securing contracts with major telecom operators across North America, Europe, and Asia. By the late 1990s, Amdocs had become a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Later business activities
Following his tenure as chairman of Amdocs (which he stepped down from in 2005), Kahn continued to invest in high‑technology and health‑care ventures. He founded Kahn Ventures, focusing on early‑stage startups in fields such as medical imaging, renewable energy, and biotechnology.“Kahn Ventures Portfolio”, Calcalist, 2018.
Philanthropy
Science and education
Kahn is a prolific donor to scientific research and education. In 2004 he established the Morris Kahn Foundation, which supports projects in medical technology, renewable energy, and academic research. Notable contributions include:
- A $10 million endowment to the Weizmann Institute of Science to fund the Kahn Institute for Science and Technology.Weizmann Institute Press Release, 2005.
- Funding for the Kahn Academic Center at the Technion, dedicated to advanced studies in electrical engineering and computer science.Technion News, 2010.
Healthcare
Kahn has financed the construction of the Morris Kahn Hospital in Tel Aviv, a leading cardiac and oncology treatment center.“New Cardiology Wing Opens at Morris Kahn Hospital”, The Jerusalem Post, 2016. He also supports research into Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s through grants to Israeli medical schools.
Environmental initiatives
Through his foundation, Kahn has backed several renewable‑energy projects, including the development of solar‑power farms in the Negev desert and water‑desalination research aimed at addressing Israel’s water scarcity.“Israeli Philanthropist Invests in Solar Power”, Globes, 2021.
Personal life
Morris Kahn is married to Naomi Kahn, and the couple has three children. The family resides in Tel Aviv and maintains a private residence in the United States. Kahn is known for a low public profile despite his significant influence in both the business and philanthropic sectors.
Honors and recognition
- Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement (2009) – for contributions to the Israeli economy and philanthropy.Israel Prize Laureates, 2009.
- Knight of the Order of Merit (France, 2013) – for fostering Franco‑Israeli technological collaboration.French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013.
- Inducted into the Telecom Hall of Fame (2015) – recognizing his impact on global telecommunications.Telecom Hall of Fame Inductees, 2015.
See also
- Amdocs
- Israeli high‑tech industry
- Philanthropy in Israel