Avner Azulay, who heads the Marc Rich Foundation in Israel, says that most of Marc Rich’s activities in Israel belonged in the humanitarian, rather than in the “secret” sphere, as Azulay put it. Azulay added that the dozens of Israeli public figures that interceded with former President Clinton in favor of Rich were prompted by Rich’s philanthropic activity.
Azulay said that Rich had so far donated over $100 million to promote education, culture and healthcare in Israel. According to Azulay, Rich used his business ties around the world to promote humanitarian causes such as rescuing Jews in distress.
Azulay added that, in approaching Clinton on the issue, former Mossad head Shabtai Shavit cited Rich’s aid to Jews in distress as a reason for pardoning him. Other intercessors cited Rich’s humanitarian activity, and it is therefore unjustified to argue that Rich’s involvement in secret activity was the major cause for Israeli intercession on his behalf.
Azulay’s reaction, published today, does not refer to the fact that the Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that Prime Minister Ehud Barak cited Rich’s contribution to Israel’ security in his request that Clinton pardon rich. Senior Clinton Administration officials said that Barak’s intercession played a key role in Clinton’s decision to pardon Rich.
Azulay reiterates that the pardon was justified, because Rich was the victim of “injustice not only on the legal front, but also on the humanitarian-moral front.” Azulay adds that the US Administration’s claims against Rich 18 years ago belonged essentially to civil proceedings, and were similar to those made against other businessmen.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 26 February, 2001