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Sandy Rashty talks to one of the awards’ key sponsors about his diverse career

DR NISSIM LEVY once had a promising career in science.

A chemistry specialist, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Technion graduate worked as a senior researcher for NASA.

There, he worked in the department for the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, where he became an expert on “life in the universe and life here”.

But in his early-30s he decided to pack it all in to pursue a career in business.

He says: “I love education, I’m doctor in chemistry and I almost became a professor, but I decided to make money.

“I knew that if I remained in science it would be interesting, but I would never make money.

“I had to decide whether to remain an American government employee or go back to Israel and start some kind of business life. It was a risky decision, but I had the drive.

“I still read many scientific books. I miss it and am trying to keep up; but now I have a different stimulation.”

Now living in London, Levy, a 66-yearold father of three, is confident that the risk paid off.

And it was never just about money. He’s used his new standing to support some of the most vulnerable people in Israel, backing programmes led by Chabad to Yad Hayeled, which supports vulnerable youth.

And now the philanthropist is also sponsoring, alongside the JC, the Wizo Commitment Awards.

I met Levy at his high-rise office in Marble Arch, west London, which has a spectacular view that overlooks Park Lane and tourists making their way to Winter Wonderland.

Early into the interview, his mobile rings. Israeli in his manner, he takes the call by the window, making ani-