17 Facts About Rafael Halperin

Rafael Halperin was an Austrian-born Israeli Orthodox rabbi, businessman, athlete, professional wrestler, and bodybuilder.

The Halperin family moved to Bnei Brak the following year, and Rafael studied in Haifa and Jerusalem as a teenager.

Rafael Halperin excelled in several athletic pursuits, including weightlifting and karate.

Rafael Halperin entered competitions and became the national champion in karate, boxing, and bodybuilding.

In 1950, Rafael Halperin organized Israel's first "Mr Israel" bodybuilders competition.

Rafael Halperin was a brother of famed philanthropist Rabbi Nachum Halpern.

Rafael Halperin decided that he wanted to open a chain of athletic facilities, so he began wrestling professionally to earn the necessary money.

Rafael Halperin's career took him to the United States, where he was reported to have won 159 consecutive matches.

Rafael Halperin earned the displeasure of some promoters and fellow wrestlers because he treated his matches as legitimate athletic contests rather than a scripted performance.

Rafael Halperin refused to yield as he felt that he was upholding the dignity of his country.

Rafael Halperin wrestled as a face, refusing to break any rules, for the same reason.

Rafael Halperin continued to wrestle in the United States and Canada into the 1960s.

Rafael Halperin later returned to Israel, where he is credited with popularizing professional wrestling in Israel.

Apparently it was a staged act, but Rafael Halperin had not informed anyone in advance.

Rafael Halperin went on to earn a rabbinical degree and wrote several religious books as well as an encyclopedia and a weight-loss guide.

Rafael Halperin founded a chain of 120 optical centers, selling glasses at affordable prices.

Rafael Halperin died of cancer on 20 August 2011 at age 87.