Van Leer Group

The Van Leer Group comprises of four organisations: • The Bernard van Leer Foundation, focussed on helping all children get a good start in life • The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute and the Jerusalem Film Center, both focussed on strengthening democracy, equality and regional peace; and • The Van Leer Group Foundation, which manages the endowment and funds the above charitable activities. Our work traces back to 1949 when Bernard van Leer decided to dedicate the profits of his business – Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer – to philanthropy. Having lived through the Second World War as a Jewish man and as a refugee, he wanted to use his wealth to help build a more peaceful society. When Bernard passed away in 1958, his son Oscar took over the business and philanthropic activities. Oscar believed the methods and insights of the business world could strengthen those of the social sector and vice versa. He sought an ideal synthesis, which evolved to form the Van Leer Group.