Who Are the Marcuses?
A Film About Their Extraordinary Philanthropic Legacy
A remarkable philanthropic legacy took centre stage at a special event hosted by Richard Markus, who welcomed Israel Bonds Germany’s New Leadership Chair, Sebastian Hoffmann, and Israel Bonds Managing Director, Michael Grauss, to learn more about his family’s story. The gathering, held on Sunday, 16 November 2025, highlighted the Marcus family from Austin, Texas, and honoured Ellen Marcus for an extraordinary and unprecedented act of generosity.
The Marcus family’s 500 million dollar donation to Ben Gurion University of the Negev – the largest single donation ever made to an Israeli institution – aims to help solve global water challenges. A shining example of turning money into meaning. We at Israel Bonds Germany had the privilege of meeting the family behind this extraordinary act of generosity. Howard and Lottie Marcus were among the very first investors in Warren Buffett's company – later legendary under the name ‘Berkshire Hathaway’ The Marcus couple held on to these shares for decades – allowing them to grow into an astronomical sum.
This inspiring philanthropic story has been turned into a wonderful and compelling documentary film, featuring statements from Warren Buffett and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, among others!
“A shining example of turning money into meaning.”
Following the screening, a reception was held at the James Simon Gallery, where Michael Grauss and Sebastian Hoffmann met members of the Marcus family: daughter Ellen, granddaughter Jen and, Richard — a family relative and board member of the Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Berlin.
Prince Christian of Prussia, joined at the invitation of Israel Bonds and welcomed the Marcus family back to Germany. The family had previously lived in Germany under Christian's great-great-grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm II, but were forced to flee when the Nazis came into power.
Following the event, Ellen Marcus and representatives from Ben Gurion University hosted a small dinner, where Michael Grauss met with the Marcus family and BGU Vice President Jeff Kaye.
Inspired by the story of the Marcus family, Israel Bonds is looking forward to fostering meaningful cooperation with the Ben Gurion University.
Photos courtesy of Maximilian Künsberg.