Governor of the Bank of Israel between 1971 and 1976, Moshe Sanbar steered the national economy through a period of significant transition. Born in Kecskemét, Hungary, in 1926, he transitioned from a survivor of the Dachau concentration camp to a central figure in Israeli public finance, influencing fiscal policy and the institutional development of the state through his academic and governmental roles.
Early Life and Education
Born Gusztáv Sandberg, he spent his youth in Hungary before his internment during World War II. Following his liberation in 1945, he studied economics at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Upon arriving in the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948, he continued his academic training, earning an MA in economics, statistics, and sociology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem by 1953. His early experiences included sports involvement and active participation in Zionist organizations.
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Sanbar entered the Israeli civil service in 1958, joining the Ministry of Finance. He served as the head of the research division and later as the director of the Budget Directorate. During this tenure, he advised ministers Levi Eshkol and Pinhas Sapir. His policy work included the 1962 devaluation and the chairing of the government Efficiency Commission. He also authored the manual 'Budget and Planning' for the United Nations.
Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond his central bank governorship, he held leadership roles at Bank Leumi and chaired the Sanbar Commission regarding local government relations. In his later years, he became a prominent advocate for Holocaust survivors, establishing an umbrella organization for over 50 groups and serving in executive roles for the Claims Conference. He received the Hungarian Order of Merit in 2004 and an honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University in 2000.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, Kecskemét, Hungary
- Died: 2012, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Governor of the Bank of Israel: 1971–1976
- Education: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Burial place: Kiryat Shaul Cemetery
- Languages spoken: German, English, Hungarian, Hebrew
- Awards: Hungarian Order of Merit (2004), Yakir Tel-Aviv Yafo
Questions readers ask
What was Moshe Sanbar's role in the Israeli government?
He served as the Governor of the Bank of Israel and held several senior positions in the Ministry of Finance, including Director of the Budget.
Was he involved in Holocaust survivor advocacy?
Yes, he founded the Israeli umbrella organization of Holocaust survivors and served as the chairman of the executive in the Claims Conference.
Achievements
- Hungarian Order of Merit — 2004
- Affiliated with Ministry of Finance and Bank of Israel
- Educated at Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Worked as economist, banker and academic
