Sammy Ofer

Retired Israeli donated $25 million to the creation of an underground parking lot that can turn into a chemical warfare-proof hospital during times of war in Haifa. The hospital, to be ready in 2012, bears his name. Ofer's family owns a vast global shipping empire, plus interests in banking and real estate. His two sons are now active in dad's vast empire: Eyal, who runs real estate business and is a director of cruise line Royal Caribbean, splits his time between Monaco, New York and London; Idan, based in Israel, is chairman of Israel Corp., which holds strategic stakes in chemicals, energy, technology and shipping (through Zim Shipping). Owns extensive collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and modern paintings. Awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth for his services to U.K. maritime heritage.