Father of the Tech Nation

In a small apartment in Haifa, a northern coastal city in Israel, a modest laboratory buzzed with energy during the 1960s. It wasn’t just the hum of machines or the rustle of papers – it was the seed of an idea that would transform Israel forever. A young girl watched her father at his workbench, tirelessly turning concepts into reality. This was more than a lab; it was the birthplace of an important chapter in Israel’s high-tech revolution.
For Uzia Galil’s daughters, Daniela and Ruth these moments were more than childhood memories – they offered glimpses into the life of a man who shaped an industry. Uzia Galil wasn’t just a father or a husband; he was a pioneer, a dreamer, and the founder of Elron, the company that would form Elbit Systems a few years later and more than 20 more innovating High-Tech companies. 

Innovation Rooted in Connection
 

Born in Romania in 1925, Galil immigrated to Israel (then Mandatory Palestine) in 1941 as a teenager, escaping the turmoil of World War II. Settling in Haifa, Galil quickly demonstrated his talent for science and technology. He attended the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, earning a degree in electrical engineering.
Galil began his career while serving in the Israeli Navy, in collaboration with the defense sector at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. During this time, he identified a gap in Israel’s emerging technology industry: the need to bridge between the academic research and the   real-world applications. This vision laid the foundation for his most significant contributions.
In 1966, Galil founded Elron Electronic Industries (Elron), one of Israel’s first high-tech companies. Operating out of a modest two-story building with fewer than 100 employees, Elron became an unparalleled hub for innovation at the time. Galil’s ability to connect the world of academia and industry cemented his role as a pioneer of Israel’s growing technology sector.
One of Galil’s defining traits was his ability to transform ideas into action. Ella recalls his belief in turning knowledge from research into tangible benefits for society. "He had an incredible ability to connect with people," shares Ruth. "When I worked briefly at Elbit, I saw how he greeted each employee personally, always asking about their families. It created a sense of belonging – a family within a company. This truly reflects my father’s values."
 

Empowering Women in High-Tech 
 

Growing up in Galil’s household meant understanding that gender was no barrier to success. "He raised us to believe that being women was an advantage," says Ruth, who went on to blaze a trail in Silicon Valley during her career.
Daniela agrees, recalling how her father encouraged her to pursue her passions, even when they diverged from his. "At first, I rebelled – I studied chemistry and worked in the food industry," she says. "But eventually, I found my way to Elbit Systems, leading human resources. His legacy was always there, guiding me."
Ella worked alongside him for over 30 years. She highlights his unwavering belief in the potential of women. "He surrounded himself with capable women and always recognized their strengths. In many ways, he was ahead of his time," she says.
Galil’s dedication to nurturing young talent was unmatched. Daniela recalls how he always made time to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, answering their questions and offering guidance. "The next generation was always on his mind," she says. Ella fondly remembers how Galil supported her initiative, forming "Young Entrepreneurs Israel" joining her on trips with the Israeli winning group of students to the Annual Competition of JA Europe and celebrating their achievements. 
In the 10 years he served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Technion, he paved the way for a strong bonding with Elbit.
Even in his later years, Galil stayed actively involved, attending events at the Technion fostering connections between academia and industry. His influence lives on in the university’s Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, a lasting testament to his enduring impact.
For all his professional achievements, Galil’s daughters emphasize his humanity. Daniela recalls her father’s warmth and his habit of personally delivering paychecks to employees, fostering a uniquely personal bond.
Ruth shares a story from her time in Silicon Valley, where she was often the only woman in the room. "They’d assume I was the secretary," she laughs. "I let them think that until I handed out my business card. It always caught them by surprise."
For Ella, one of Galil’s greatest contributions was his ability to bring people together. "He worked closely with several defense bodies, Technion faculties, Rafael, and other evolving activities," she says. "He understood the importance of collaborating between them, which became the cornerstone of his success." 
 

A Lasting Influence 

Uzia Galil’s story is one of vision, resilience, and connection. His legacy endures not only in the companies he founded but also in the lives he touched and the family he inspired. As Ella sums up, "He believed in the people he met with the spark in their eyes which inspired his curiosity and that’s what made him a true innovator."
Today, Elbit Systems stands as a testament to Galil’s pioneering spirit, serving as a bridge between Israel’s past and its high-tech future. Through the eyes of those who knew him best, he is not just the founder of a company but the architect of a nation’s innovation.