Reclusive philanthropist who made Sydney a ‘more generous place’ dies aged 104

Isaac Wakil, a reclusive philanthropist and property magnate renowned for transforming Sydney's cultural and educational landscape, passed away at the age of 104. His legacy is marked by a lifetime of generosity and visionary contributions to the city's institutions, most notably the Art Gallery of NSW and the University of Sydney. Born in Baghdad in 1922, Wakil was the third of eight children to Ezra Wakil and Toba Gabbay. His grandfather, Rabbi Yehezhel al-Wakil, was a respected figure in Baghdad's Jewish community. Wakil's early life was shaped by the challenges of the Farhud pogrom of 1941, during which he narrowly escaped persecution. He emigrated to Australia in 1949, where he would build a life of success and philanthropy.

Wakil's journey began with marriage to Susan Reznik, a Romanian immigrant who had fled Soviet occupation with her aunt. They wed in 1953 and together built a thriving business in the clothing trade. By the 1970s and 1980s, the couple had amassed a substantial property portfolio, acquiring numerous dilapidated brick warehouses in areas such as Pyrmont, Surry Hills, and central Sydney. These acquisitions, often made discreetly, laid the groundwork for their future philanthropy. The eventual sale of these properties in the early 2010s funded the establishment of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation in 2014, an organization dedicated to supporting a broad array of initiatives spanning education, healthcare, the arts, and cultural preservation.

The foundation's work includes funding health and medical research at the University of Sydney, St Vincent’s Hospital, and the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator. It also extends to the arts, providing critical support to institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW and Opera Australia. Additionally, the foundation contributes to the Sydney Jewish Museum and offers educational scholarships. The couple's commitment to the arts dates back to 1969, when they were introduced to Sir Robert Norman, then-president of the gallery's Captain Cook Wing expansion fund. Their initial support for the fund's $1 million goal and attendance at the celebratory dinner marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the Art Gallery of NSW.

In 2017, the couple's philanthropy reached a pivotal moment. David Gonski, then-president of the Art Gallery of NSW Trust, received a call from Isaac Wakil regarding the gallery's efforts to raise $100 million toward the $344 million construction of the Sydney Modern project. Wakil proposed a significant contribution, suggesting a minimum of $20 million. Upon Gonski's enthusiastic acceptance, Wakil offered to contribute even more. This pledge led to a record-breaking $24 million donation in 2018, which played a crucial role in securing the necessary momentum for the project. The contribution not only helped realize the $344 million cultural endeavor but also left a lasting mark on the city's artistic identity.

The legacy of Isaac and Susan Wakil continues to resonate within the Art Gallery of NSW, where Tsering Hannaford's portrait of Susan Wakil is displayed in the newly named Naala Badu wing. This space, which includes the Susan Wakil Pavilion and the Isaac Wakil Gallery, stands as a testament to their enduring influence. David Gonski, reflecting on their impact, described them as "true visionaries" who significantly enhanced Sydney's cultural fabric. Michael Rose, the current president of the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how their philanthropy elevated the gallery's status and contributed to its continued prominence. As the city mourns the passing of a man who dedicated his life to making Sydney a more generous and culturally rich place, the Wakils' story remains one of remarkable generosity and transformative impact.