Report Rothschild Intends to Sever Ties with Fund-raising Efforts on Israel’s Behalf by Edwin Eytan

Baron Edmond de Rothschild, a prominent member of the Jewish banking family and chairman of the board of directors of the Israel Corporation, has reportedly severed his ties with fund-raising on Israel’s behalf.

Rothschild, who was due to host a world gathering of UJA donors at his Geneva home next month, has written UJA director Yakov Gilad saying that he can no longer sponsor the event. The 250 major contributors, many from the U.S., were expected to gather at his Geneva residence, the Castle of Pregny, in the first week of Nov.

Jewish Agency chairman Pinhas Sapir who yesterday arrived in Paris from London told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the event will take place in Geneva but “somewhere else.” Sapir also said that he hoped Rothschild’s “coldness is only temporary.” UJA sources also said that Baron de Rothschild has not made any contributions to the UJA this year. Last year he gave $2 million. Sources close to Rothschild told the JTA that he is apparently” upset” because of Israeli and Jewish world-wide support for Geneva banker Tibor Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum himself, in an interview with JTA earlier this week, said that he had tried on a number of occasions to meet either with Rothschild or with his advisors to work out, if possible, some means for the repayment of at least part of the 8.6 million deposited by the Israel Corporation with his financial, concerns. Sources close to Rothschild confirmed when questioned by the JTA, that the Corporation chairman has refused to meet Rosenbaum and has told other Corporation officers not to do so either.

Sapir told the JTA that he has not met with Rothschild during his current trip to Paris and knows of no plans for such a meeting. He said, “I would be glad to see him should he express the desire to do so.” Sapir is due to address a dinner tonight tendered in his honor by the local UJA. Baron de Rothschild will be absent, according to sources.