Biography of Uri Kaufman
Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Albany, New York. He founded Harmony Group to merge his interest in historic preservation with the need to reinvigorate overlooked communities. His vision centers on transforming outdated industrial buildings into modern residential spaces, maintaining their architectural significance while introducing new life into surrounding neighborhoods Through this work, he has remained committed to projects that support long-term renewal and sustainable growth
Uri and his business partner, Ira Schwartz, have built a dependable track record of identifying undervalued properties, acquiring distressed assets, and executing development projects that others may avoid due to their complexity Their approach emphasizes a balance of practicality and preservation, aiming to restore value to forgotten structures while maintaining the integrity of their original design. Together, they have led efforts across the country, taking on challenging redevelopment projects and bringing them to completion through careful planning, legal expertise, and structured execution.
Opportunity in Upstate New York
Kaufman began his professional career as an attorney He graduated with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989 and practiced law on Long Island His path took a new direction after being let go by a former employer, prompting him to explore new opportunities. This moment became a turning point, leading him to shift his focus to real estate development His interest was drawn to Upstate New York, where he saw substantial potential in vacant, underutilized buildings that still held historical value.
Kaufman recognized that many of these buildings, while neglected, were well-suited for conversion into loft-style residences Their sturdy construction and unique architectural features provided a foundation for transformation He believed that with thoughtful design and proper investment, they could be repurposed to meet contemporary housing needs. This belief laid the groundwork for Harmony Group’s strategy an approach rooted in adaptive reuse and community impact
Under his leadership, Harmony Group has specialized in restoring historic structures and turning them into functional residential environments. The firm’s projects have received awards at both the state and national levels, recognizing the combination of historical integrity and modern usability These projects not only preserve buildings but also contribute to the surrounding economy, drawing in residents, businesses, and renewed attention to the community
Kaufman has played a key role in every aspect of these developments, from identifying properties to managing the legal and regulatory processes involved in bringing them to life His legal training has been instrumental in securing historic tax credits, complying with zoning and labor requirements, and navigating the various permits and partnerships needed to complete each project His ability to work with union labor and engage local stakeholders has allowed projects to progress smoothly and remain aligned with community goals.
Author of “Eighteen Days in October”
Uri Kaufman is also an author with a deep interest in history and international affairs In April 2025, he published American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, which examines rising hostility toward Israel, particularly within liberal circles. The book explores how
recent events have shifted public opinion and brought renewed focus to longstanding tensions, offering analysis from a historical and cultural perspective.
He previously published Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East in 2023. This was the first significant history of the Yom Kippur War released in nearly twenty years and was based on declassified material not previously available to the public. The book presents a detailed account of the war’s origins, strategies, and long-term consequences for the Middle East
His research for the book spanned more than two decades. He conducted interviews with veterans, traveled to key battle locations, and reviewed thousands of pages of official records Fluent in Hebrew, he oversaw a research team that translated important documents from Russian, Arabic, and German, including intelligence and military files. The result is a work that offers both narrative clarity and historical depth, grounded in sources and firsthand accounts
The book received recognition from a range of reviewers, including The New York Times, Financial Times, and Senator Joseph I Lieberman It was praised for its balanced analysis, detailed research, and accessibility to general readers. In addition to his books, he has written for publications such as Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent, where his essays address historical events and current geopolitical challenges
On the Personal Side
Kaufman began his academic studies at Queens College, part of the City University of New York He worked during the day and took classes at night, demonstrating a strong sense of dedication and resilience early in life. He later pursued law at NYU, where he graduated with honors before entering the legal profession. These experiences shaped the foundation for his later work in both real estate and historical research
Kaufman currently resides with his family in Lawrence, located in Nassau County on Long Island Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with his children and participating in personal activities such as playing hockey, biking, and reading. These interests provide a welcome balance to his work and reflect his commitment to maintaining both physical and intellectual engagement
His career reflects a continuous effort to connect the past with the present, whether through the preservation of historic buildings or the documentation of significant historical events. His work demonstrates a commitment to honoring heritage while also adapting it for the needs of today’s communities and readers This dedication is present in every building he restores and every chapter he writes.
Uri Kaufman continues to lead Harmony Group with the same purpose that inspired its creation Through his real estate work and published writings, he remains devoted to preserving what matters structures, stories, and the communities they represent