Uri Kaufman
President of Harmony Group
Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm located in Albany, New York. He founded Harmony Group with a vision to connect his dedication to historic preservation with the revitalization of overlooked communities. His development model is centered on repurposing aging industrial buildings into residential spaces that maintain their original architectural features while contributing to long-term neighborhood growth. Under his leadership, Harmony Group has focused on transforming underused properties into viable housing that supports both economic and cultural renewal.
Uri and his business partner, Ira Schwartz, have developed a proven ability to identify undervalued properties and reposition them through redevelopment. Their strategy focuses on distressed assets that many others might avoid due to complexity. Over time, they have established a strong track record of undertaking projects that require vision, planning, and meticulous execution. These efforts include navigating complicated regulations, working with public and private stakeholders, and delivering large-scale developments in markets across the United States.
Opportunity in Upstate New York
Kaufman began his career as a practicing attorney on Long Island. He graduated with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. His transition into real estate began following an unexpected dismissal by a former employer. This turning point led him to explore opportunities outside of law, ultimately shifting his professional focus to real estate development. His interest was sparked by the potential he saw in Upstate New York, a region rich with historical buildings that had fallen into disrepair.
He recognized the architectural and structural value in many of these buildings and envisioned converting them into residential lofts. This idea became the foundation for Harmony Group, a firm dedicated to revitalizing outdated structures. By combining his legal background with an appreciation for historic preservation, Kaufman established a framework for restoring and redeveloping industrial properties.
Harmony Group has since earned recognition at both state and national levels for its work. The firm’s projects are noted for their preservation of historical design while incorporating modern amenities that meet today’s housing standards. These buildings, once neglected, now offer livable and functional spaces that contribute to community regeneration.
His work involves aligning multiple interests to ensure the successful completion of each project. From negotiating with city officials to collaborating with architects, contractors, and community organizations, his leadership has allowed Harmony Group to complete high-impact developments that would otherwise be difficult to deliver. Kaufman is also skilled in securing historic tax credits and coordinating union labor to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. His combined expertise in law and real estate has enabled him to manage these intricate aspects of development effectively.
Author of “Eighteen Days in October”
Uri Kaufman is also the author of two books. In April 2025, he released American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism. This work examines the evolving perceptions of Israel and analyzes the growing criticism directed toward it, particularly from liberal sectors. The book explores how recent events have influenced global attitudes and public discourse surrounding the conflict.
His earlier publication, Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, was published in 2023. It is the first primary historical account of the Yom Kippur War in nearly twenty years, offering an in-depth exploration of the conflict through previously unreleased, declassified materials. The book presents a detailed and balanced view of the war and its implications for regional geopolitics.
Research for the book spanned over two decades. He traveled to former battlefields, conducted interviews with veterans, and examined thousands of pages of declassified government documents. Fluent in Hebrew, he led a research team that translated materials in Russian, Arabic, and German. These translations included intelligence documents and military reports, contributing to a broader understanding of the conflict’s scope and legacy.
The book received attention and praise from various sources, including The New York Times, Financial Times, and Senator Joseph I. Lieberman. It was recognized for its clarity, depth, and contribution to public understanding of a key historical event. In addition to his books, his writing has been featured in publications such as Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent, where he has addressed both historical and contemporary issues related to international affairs.
On the Personal Side
Kaufman began his academic journey at Queens College, part of the City University of New York. He supported himself through school by attending classes at night and working during the day. His academic efforts led him to NYU School of Law, where he graduated with honors and launched his early career in the legal field.
Kaufman resides in Lawrence, located in Nassau County, Long Island, with his family. Outside of work, he values spending time with his children and enjoys several recreational activities. These include playing hockey, bike riding, and reading. These personal pursuits provide balance to his professional commitments and reflect his interests beyond the workplace.
His dedication to preserving history is evident in both his real estate work and his writing. Whether converting a historic structure into residential housing or researching the events of a significant war, his work is guided by a desire to retain what is meaningful and contribute to public knowledge. His projects emphasize the importance of honoring the past while creating spaces and stories that serve the present and future.
Uri Kaufman continues to lead Harmony Group with a focus on thoughtful development and historic preservation. Through his work in real estate and as an author, he remains committed to making lasting contributions that reflect the importance of history, community, and practical execution.