The mayor of Moscow recognized the president of a Chabad-led umbrella group for his efforts developing the city.
Alexander Boroda, the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities, developed a sprawling complex in the Marina Roscha district that includes the largest synagogue and Jewish community center in Eastern Europe, a medical and charity center, and an educational complex.
Plans call for a Museum of Tolerance in the district dedicated to Jewish history with a focus on Russia.
Mayor Yury Luzhkov noted Boroda’s “great contribution to the development of the construction industry in Moscow and many years of dedicated work,” according to the federation’s Web site.
Luzhkov has deep connections to the booming real estate and development industries of Moscow. His wife, Yelena Baturina, Russia’s only female billionaire, heads one of the largest construction companies in the capital.
Real estate analysts say it is nearly impossible to gain ground for any major development project without the city government’s blessing.
