Uri Kaufman

President of Harmony Group

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 his intent to restore neglected neighborhoods. By converting aging industrial buildings into residential spaces, he aimed to retain their original architectural elements while contributing to the long-term revitalization of surrounding communities.

Uri and his business partner, Ira Schwartz, have collaborated to establish a strong track record in the real estate sector. They focus on identifying undervalued properties and repurposing distressed assets. Their collaborative approach has enabled the successful execution of complex development projects, often characterized by intricate design and implementation. Their efforts span across the United States, and their portfolio reflects their ability to take on and complete ambitious transformations.

Opportunity in Upstate New York

Kaufman began his professional journey in law. He earned his law degree from New York University School of Law and graduated with honors in 1989. He initially worked as an attorney on Long Island. A career shift followed his dismissal by a former employer, prompting him to reconsider his path. He soon turned his attention to real estate and saw potential in Upstate New York, where he observed many underutilized architectural structures.

These buildings, once vital to industrial operations, had become vacant and overlooked. Yet he believed they held value and could be adapted into modern residences. The blend of architectural history and opportunity motivated him to pursue a new vision, and Harmony Group was formed. Through the company, he began focusing on converting these buildings into loft-style apartments that provided contemporary features while maintaining their historical charm.

His approach not only revitalized the structures but also contributed to the surrounding communities. These projects provided new housing options and helped revive economic activity in areas that had experienced long-term decline. His focus on thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse has earned recognition at both the state and national levels.

A key component of his success lies in his ability to navigate the many moving parts of development. Kaufman has experience securing historic tax credits, coordinating with regulatory bodies, and ensuring union labor is involved in the construction process. This combination of legal knowledge, project management, and stakeholder coordination has allowed him to move forward on projects that others might find too difficult to complete. His ability to manage these challenges has become a hallmark of his professional work.

Author of “Eighteen Days in October”

Uri Kaufman is also an author. In April 2025, he released a book titled American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, which explores the reasons behind growing criticism of Israel, particularly among liberal circles. This work reflects his continued engagement with current events and international issues.

His earlier book, Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, was published in 2023. It marked the first significant account of the Yom Kippur War to be released in nearly twenty years. The book drew upon declassified documents that had not previously been available, offering readers new insights into a conflict that had a significant impact on regional dynamics.

To prepare the book, Kaufman dedicated over two decades to studying the war. His process included visiting battlefields, conducting interviews with veterans, and analyzing thousands of pages of documents. Fluent in Hebrew, he also directed a team of researchers to translate materials in Russian, Arabic, and German, including records from sources that provided context on international involvement in the war.

His thorough and methodical research allowed him to present a comprehensive narrative that readers and critics have acknowledged. The book received praise from notable sources, including The New York Times, Financial Times, and Senator Joseph I. Lieberman. It added a new layer to the public understanding of the war and how its outcomes influenced the region’s political future.

His writings have appeared in several well-known publications, including Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent. Through these contributions, he has engaged with both historical and contemporary subjects, sharing his insights with a broader audience.

On the Personal Side

Kaufman began his academic career at Queens College, part of the City University of New York. He worked while attending school at night to support his education. After earning his undergraduate degree, he pursued a career in law and later entered the legal profession before transitioning into real estate.

Kaufman resides in Lawrence, located in Nassau County on Long Island. He enjoys spending time with his family and finds balance through a variety of interests. Outside of his professional and writing activities, he participates in recreational activities such as playing hockey, riding his bike, and reading.

His personal and professional interests often overlap, as his work in both real estate and writing is closely tied to the history of the field. Whether through the restoration of historic buildings or the examination of key global events, he remains dedicated to preserving essential narratives. His focus on detail, process, and long-term value has been consistent throughout his career.

Uri Kaufman continues to lead Harmony Group and remains active in his research and writing. His efforts reflect a steady commitment to honoring the past while contributing to the present, through both the spaces he helps build and the histories he helps tell.