15 Facts About Shmuel Flatto-Sharon

Shmuel "Samy" Flatto-Sharon was a controversial French-Israeli businessman, radio talk-show host and politician.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon's family escaped to France after the German invasion of Poland, with Shmuel disguised as a girl.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon attended high school in Paris and Strasbourg, and joined the Young Communist League in 1945.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon came to own a transport service for hauling merchandise with dozens of trucks, industrial plants, a chain of restaurants and cafes, and hotels.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon was involved in large projects in major cities throughout the world, including Paris, New York City, Rio de Jainero, Caracas, and Tel Aviv.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon bought a villa in Savyon and immediately launched a business career in Israel.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon entered into a partnership with Israeli businessman Avraham Pilz, with whom he established the Dizengoff Center, Israel's first shopping mall.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon sat on the Economic Affairs Committee and in 1978 he renamed the party Development and Peace.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon was never extradited to France to serve the five-year sentence given to him in his absence, as the five-year statute of limitations expired.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon eventually paid a large fine to settle his criminal case with the French authorities.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon ultimately served three days in prison and two weeks of house arrest.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon was an established multi-millionaire, and worked primarily in later life as a radio talk-show host.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon's show, named Flatto Bli Heshbon was broadcast on numerous stations, including Radius 100, Lev HaMedina, Radio Haifa and Radio Darom FM in the Middle East.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon's daughter Hilda is a homeopathic doctor, and his son Yoav is a private businessman.

Shmuel Flatto-Sharon died in Israel on 7 December 2018 due to a heart attack.