S hlomo Eliahu is a self-made Israeli billionaire with a remarkable rags-to-riches story in the country's insurance and finance sectors. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, he immigrated to Israel as a teenager with his family, who were housed in a transit camp for new immigrants. He began his career in the 1950s working for an insurance company, where he learned the business from the ground up. Driven by ambition, he left to start his own insurance agency in 1966, which became the foundation of his future empire.

Eliahu's agency grew rapidly, and he eventually established his own firm, the Eliahu Insurance Company. Over the years, he became known for his shrewd and often aggressive investment style, acquiring significant stakes in other major Israeli companies. His most significant and long-cherished goal was to acquire a controlling stake in Bank Leumi, one of Israel's largest banks, a feat he eventually achieved. He also held a major stake in the insurance giant Migdal. Eliahu's career has been characterized by perseverance and a deep understanding of Israel's financial landscape, making him one of the country's most prominent tycoons.