By Simon Round
The United Synagogue could be about to benefit from a massive cash injection, courtesy of an unexpected benefactor: billionaire Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
According to sources close to the Russian oligarch, whose fortune is thought to be in excess of £8 billion, he has fallen out of love with football and is said to be seriously considering funding Britain’s biggest Jewish religious organisation.
Abramovich’s possible change of direction may explain why big-money signings at Chelsea have been thin on the ground in recent months.
The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that recent talks with senior figures at the US are likely to result in a huge investment — possibly in excess of £100 million.
He told the JC: “Mr Abramovich has become passionate about his Judaism in the past year or two. His vision is to transform the United Synagogue into a world-class religious organisation which will be able to take on the best in Europe, notably the Catholic Church.”
Although Mr Abramovich has expressed confidence in the work done over the years by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, he is said to be enthusiastic about bringing in a new director of religion to work alongside Sir Jonathan in rejuvenating the organisation. He is also said to be considering investing in other personnel. Mr Abramovich plans to use the bait of higher salaries to recruit world-class rabbis from the continent and the USA.
A huge sum of money will also be earmarked to bring the organisation’s facilities up to date, with the flagship synagogue, St John’s Wood, set for demolition and reconstruction. Another plan Mr Abramovich is said to be considering is the building of a brand-new headquarters for the organisation — possibly at Stamford Bridge.
Said the source: “Two hotels were built as part of the Stamford Bridge complex by the previous Chelsea owner, Ken Bates. They could be converted into a state-of -the-art United Synagogue HQ. The Star of David would then stand alongside the Chelsea lion at the gates of the stadium.”
This is not the first time Mr Abramovich has donated funds to Jewish organisations.
In Russia, he is a long-time supporter of the Lubavitch-led Federation of Jewish Communities.
Showing posts with label jonathan sacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jonathan sacks. Show all posts
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Chabad center launched in London
British Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks will be the guest of honor on Wednesday evening at the official opening of Friends of Lubavitch UK's new exclusive center, the Gaon Club, in the West End of London.
Situated in the prestigious Bond Street area of central London directly off Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping street, the Gaon Club will be a space for young professionals and business people to meet in a relaxed and stylish setting and conduct business or social meetings. Jewish community members from across the world who come to London on business will also be welcomed.
"The response to the concept of the Gaon Club alone has been phenomenal," said Rabbi Mendy Vogel, program director of the Gaon Club. "People have been phoning daily to find out when they can come and see the new center and we're delighted to tell that our doors are now open."
It will also serve as a hub for social and educational activities for Jews of all backgrounds, though it will focus primarily on the thousands of young Jews living and working in the greater central London area.
Gaon Club facilities include a beautiful and comfortable business lounge furnished in a modern, streamlined style, a library, a dining area in which a variety of food and drink will be available, use of a computer with Internet access, a Bloomberg terminal and a meeting room.
"We are honored that the chief rabbi will be opening the Gaon Club and regard his presence at the launch as most fitting for the new center," said Rabbi Yosef Vogel, director of the Gaon Club. "London has become the financial capital of the world and consequently has attracted many Jews. Because of the Chabad worldwide name recognition, we are their initial port of call and we have become a loose community for them. As a result of this great demand there has been phenomenal support to increase our activity, which eventually resulted in securing 3,000 square feet in central London to respond to the demand of young professional Jews."
Situated in the prestigious Bond Street area of central London directly off Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping street, the Gaon Club will be a space for young professionals and business people to meet in a relaxed and stylish setting and conduct business or social meetings. Jewish community members from across the world who come to London on business will also be welcomed.
"The response to the concept of the Gaon Club alone has been phenomenal," said Rabbi Mendy Vogel, program director of the Gaon Club. "People have been phoning daily to find out when they can come and see the new center and we're delighted to tell that our doors are now open."
It will also serve as a hub for social and educational activities for Jews of all backgrounds, though it will focus primarily on the thousands of young Jews living and working in the greater central London area.
Gaon Club facilities include a beautiful and comfortable business lounge furnished in a modern, streamlined style, a library, a dining area in which a variety of food and drink will be available, use of a computer with Internet access, a Bloomberg terminal and a meeting room.
"We are honored that the chief rabbi will be opening the Gaon Club and regard his presence at the launch as most fitting for the new center," said Rabbi Yosef Vogel, director of the Gaon Club. "London has become the financial capital of the world and consequently has attracted many Jews. Because of the Chabad worldwide name recognition, we are their initial port of call and we have become a loose community for them. As a result of this great demand there has been phenomenal support to increase our activity, which eventually resulted in securing 3,000 square feet in central London to respond to the demand of young professional Jews."
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