Israel Prize winner Al Schwimmer dies on 94th birthday

Schwimmer was convicted in US in 1950 for smuggling planes to Israel during 1948 War, founded and ran Israel Aircraft Industries for 30 years.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: MARCH 29, 2018 12:37
heron uav iai 224 88 (photo credit: IAI)
heron uav iai 224 88
(photo credit: IAI)
Adolph William (Al) Schwimmer, winner of the Israel Prize, died on Friday at Tel Hashomer hospital on his 94th birthday.
Schwimmer, an American citizen born in New York, was convicted in 1950 of violating the US Neutrality Act for secretly bringing aircraft to Israel during the 1948 War.
He was pardoned in 2001 by then US President Bill Clinton.  After the establishment of Israel, Schwimmer joined the Israel Air Force and founded Israel Aircraft Industries which he ran for nearly 30 years. He was awarded the Israel Prize in 2006.
Schwimmer's funeral will be held on Monday.