Ernest Danziger celebrates his 100th birthday

It’s celebrations all around for Israeli plant breeder and propagator Danziger this year. The company’s founder, Ernest Danziger, celebrated his 100th anniversary on 16 November 2023. At the same time, it was 70 years ago that Ernest and his wife Zehava Danziger established their 3-acre plant nursery just outside Tel Aviv in a moshav (village in Hebrew) called Mishmar Hashiva.

It is safe to say that the couple could never have imagined that in 2023, Danziger would produce and sell more than 750 million plants and cuttings worldwide, adding colour and happiness in so many places worldwide.

In a statement, the company reflects on a century of a life well lived and celebrates “a hard-working and creative leader who is blessed with unwavering optimism. Ernest and Zahava have built an enduring legacy with their own hands.”

Born a century ago, Ernest’s journey commenced on the seat of a tractor, cultivating fields and dreams alike. From these humble beginnings, he sowed the seeds that would grow into a thriving company, a testament to his unwavering determination and the belief that “in work, you will find peace.”

The company highlights Ernest’s ability to think outside the box, calling him “a true innovator, turning challenges into opportunities and setting the stage for the success of his team. His life story is a testament to the power of creativity, teamwork, and the importance of embracing unconventional paths in the pursuit of one’s dreams.”

Today, at the remarkable age of 100, Ernest is a great ping-pong player, an amazing testimonial for his agility and resilience in his personal and professional lives. “It is never as bad as it looks,” he always reassures everyone, even in the recent challenging times.

Micha and Gaby Danziger, Ernest’s sons, have run the company for the past 47 years, joined by Ori Danziger, the third generation, 12 years ago.