Chairwoman of Melisron (TASE: MLSR), Israel's largest mall owner. Sole owner of Ofer Investments. $2.67B Forbes. One of two female billionaires in Israel.
The Builders | Olam.business
Liora Ofer (born December 22, 1953, Haifa) is the chairwoman of Melisron (TASE: MLSR) and sole owner of Ofer Investments, inheriting and consolidating the real estate empire built by her father Yuli Ofer and uncle Sammy Ofer. Forbes estimates her net worth at $2.67 billion, making her one of only two female billionaires in Israel. She is the controlling shareholder of Israel's largest mall owner.
At a Glance
| Born | December 22, 1953, Haifa, Israel |
| Company | Melisron Ltd. (TASE: MLSR) — chairwoman; Ofer Investments — sole owner (100%) |
| Family | Daughter of Yuli Ofer (d. 2011); niece of Sammy Ofer (d. 2011); cousins Eyal ($33.6B) and Idan ($31.1B) Ofer |
| Forbes | $2.67 billion — one of two female Israeli billionaires |
| Key asset | Controlling stake in Melisron — Israel's largest mall owner |
| Philanthropy | Chair, Friends of Reichman University; Chair, Suzanne Dalal Center |
Liora Ofer's Origins: The Ofer Dynasty
Liora Ofer was born in Haifa into one of Israel's most prominent business families. Her father, Yuli Ofer (born 1924, Galați, Romania; died September 11, 2011), co-founded Ofer Investments in 1957 with his brother Sammy Ofer. The Ofer brothers built a conglomerate spanning shipping, real estate, banking, chemicals, and energy. Sammy Ofer was the wealthiest person in Israel at death in 2011. His sons — Eyal Ofer ($33.6B Forbes 2026) and Idan Ofer ($31.1B) — are today among the five wealthiest Israelis. Liora represents the Yuli branch.
Liora studied at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa and began working alongside her father at age 20 in Ofer Investments. In 1995 she was appointed general manager of Coral Beach Eilat Ltd. In 2007 she became director and vice chairwoman of Melisron. In 2008 she was named chairwoman — the role she holds today.
The Inheritance Battle and Consolidation
After Yuli and Sammy both died in 2011, Liora entered a prolonged legal dispute with her brother Doron over their inheritance. In 2015 she won, securing approximately 52% of Ofer Investments. A conflict-of-interest law forced cousin Eyal to divest his stake; Liora swapped her Mizrahi Tefahot Bank stake for a greater share of Ofer Investments. In January 2023, she bought Doron's remaining 15% for ~NIS 500 million, achieving 100% ownership. The 20-year family division saga ended with Liora as sole controller.
Melisron: Israel's Largest Mall Company
Melisron Ltd. (TASE: MLSR) is Israel's largest shopping mall owner and management company. Under Liora's chairmanship, Melisron executed transformative acquisitions: 25 shopping malls from British Israel Investments, Ramat Aviv Mall, and the merger of British Israel's 18 malls into the portfolio. In 2022, Melisron expanded into office and logistics properties. She also served for many years as a director of Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank (controlled by Ofer Investments until 2018).
Why Liora Ofer Matters to the Olam Thesis
First, she is one of only two female billionaires in Israel (alongside Shari Arison). Second, she represents the Yuli branch of the Ofer dynasty — the domestic real estate side of a family whose other branches operate globally in shipping, energy, and sports. Third, Melisron controls a significant share of Israel's commercial retail real estate infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Liora Ofer?
Chairwoman of Melisron (TASE: MLSR) and sole owner of Ofer Investments. $2.67B Forbes. One of two female billionaires in Israel. Born December 22, 1953, Haifa.
What is Melisron?
Israel's largest shopping mall owner (TASE: MLSR). Liora Ofer is chairwoman and controlling shareholder through Ofer Investments.
How is Liora related to Eyal and Idan Ofer?
Cousins. Eyal and Idan are sons of her uncle Sammy Ofer. Liora is the daughter of Yuli Ofer, Sammy's brother.
What was the inheritance dispute?
After Yuli Ofer's death in 2011, Liora battled brother Doron. Won 2015 court case (52%). Bought Doron's remaining 15% in January 2023 for ~NIS 500M. Now owns 100% of Ofer Investments.
How much is Liora Ofer worth?
Forbes: $2.67 billion, #15 in Israel. Wealth concentrated in Melisron controlling stake and 100% of Ofer Investments.
What did she trade for control?
Swapped her Mizrahi Tefahot Bank stake for a greater share of Ofer Investments in a deal with cousin Eyal Ofer.
Is she involved in philanthropy?
Yes. Chairs Friends of Reichman University and board of Suzanne Dalal Center in Neveh Tzedek. Previously chaired Friends of Cameri Theater for 15 years.
Related Olam Coverage
- Idan Ofer: Quantum Pacific
- Israeli Real Estate
- The TASE 35
Primary Sources
Forbes. Wikipedia: Liora Ofer, Yuli Ofer, Sammy Ofer. Melisron.co.il. Globes, Goodreturns.
The Olam Editorial Team | The Builders / הבונים