Uri Kaufman
President of Harmony Group
Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm headquartered in Albany, New York. He founded Harmony Group to unite his interest in historic preservation with his goal of revitalizing neglected communities. By converting aging industrial buildings into modern residential spaces, the firm aims to preserve architectural character while encouraging long-term neighborhood improvement.
Over the years, Uri and his business partner, Ira Schwartz, have demonstrated a reliable ability to find underutilized properties and convert them into productive assets. Together, they have undertaken complex development projects nationwide. Their work reflects a disciplined approach to transforming distressed structures into viable real estate ventures while navigating challenges such as structural limitations, financing, and municipal approvals.
Opportunity in Upstate New York
Before entering the real estate industry, Kaufman practiced law on Long Island. He graduated with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. His career shifted when he was unexpectedly let go by a former employer. That moment became a turning point. He recognized an opportunity in Upstate New York, where he found several historic industrial buildings that, though overlooked, held promise for residential redevelopment.
That vision led to the founding of Harmony Group. Under his leadership, the firm focused on repurposing these older buildings into updated loft-style residences with contemporary amenities. This work has been recognized with both national and state awards, acknowledging not only the design but also the community impact of the developments.
Kaufman has been particularly skilled at bringing together various interests around a common goal. This includes aligning with municipal agencies, investors, and construction partners. He has also demonstrated an ability to secure historic tax credits and work within union guidelines, enabling projects to be completed on time and in compliance with regulatory requirements. His practical understanding of the legal and financial elements has helped him to manage the complexity associated with these types of developments.
Author of “Eighteen Days in October”
Uri Kaufman is also a published author. His most recent book, American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, was released in April 2025. In it, he examines the origins of contemporary attitudes toward Israel, particularly from a Western liberal perspective.
Previously, he wrote Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Shaped the Modern Middle East, published in 2023. It marked the first comprehensive account of the Yom Kippur War in nearly twenty years. The book draws upon a range of previously declassified materials, offering fresh insights into a conflict that significantly shaped the region's modern history.
His research was extensive. Over the course of more than two decades, he visited key battle sites, spoke with veterans, and examined thousands of government documents. Fluent in Hebrew, he led a team of researchers who translated sources in multiple languages, including Russian, Arabic, and German. These efforts provided a fuller picture of events, including information from Eastern Bloc archives and Middle Eastern perspectives.
The book has been positively received, with recognition from The New York Times, Financial Times, and Senator Joseph I. Lieberman. It has added to the broader discussion of Middle Eastern history, both in academic and public settings.
His writing has also been featured in several well-known publications, including Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent. These contributions reflect his continued engagement with topics related to global affairs and historical interpretation.
On the Personal Side
Kaufman completed his undergraduate studies at Queens College, part of the City University of New York, where he attended classes at night while supporting himself. He later earned his law degree from NYU.
He currently lives with his family in Lawrence, located in Nassau County on Long Island. Outside of work, he values time with his children and enjoys several activities, including playing hockey, cycling, and reading. These interests provide a balance to his professional and research commitments.
Through his real estate projects and written work, Kaufman continues to focus on preserving cultural and historical elements. His approach is both practical and research-driven, combining development with a sense of historical awareness. Whether through buildings or books, his efforts reflect a consistent commitment to exploring and honoring the past while contributing to the future.
Uri Kaufman remains active in both real estate and historical scholarship, applying his experience and focus to projects that reflect the value of thoughtful development and informed storytelling.
