January 5, 2012

(JTA) — Newton Becker, a philanthropist who mentored and funded dozens of pro-Israel organizations, has died.

Becker, the founder and president of the largest CPA review course in the country, and a leader in the solar energy industry, died in Los Angeles on Jan. 2 at the age of 83.

Born in Cleveland, Becker graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.

While working at Price Waterhouse in Cleveland and studying for the CPA exam, he started an in-house study system for the company, which he later established as an independent entity, the Becker CPA Review Course.

Becker later because the chairman and founding investor of Luz International, a developer of solar energy electrical plants. He argued before Congress for tax benefits for renewable energy and advocated for electric cars.

Becker reportedly provided the seed money for pro-Israel organizations in the United States, Europe, Latin American and China. He provided funds for  StandWithUs, The Israel Project, CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy on Middle East Reporting in America), the Zionist Organization of America, and MEMRI, among others, according to the Los Angeles Jewish Journal.
 

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