(JTA) — A group of international philanthropists donated 100,000 euros, or about $108,000, to the Danish Jewish community to increase security at its institutions.
The donation by funders of the Genesis Philanthropy Group comes in the wake of a terror attack at a Copenhagen synagogue during a bat mitzvah celebration in February that left a Jewish volunteer security guard dead.
The Genesis Philanthropy Group, a consortium launched by wealthy Jewish businessmen from the former Soviet Union, funds Jewish identity-building efforts for Russian-speaking Jews around the world.
“Under siege after recent terrorist attacks, the Danish community has rallied together in solidarity,” Mikhail Fridman, a co-founder of the Genesis Philanthropy Group, said in a statement issued by the Conference of European Rabbis, which helped facilitate the donation. “This strong, vibrant community needs our support to ensure that its members know that the global Jewish community is behind it.”
Denmark’s Jewish community has approximately 6,400 members.
“The Danish Jewish community has experienced a tragedy, we face a very challenging time that will shape the future of Jewish life in Denmark,” said Jair Melchior, Denmark’s chief rabbi. “The great support of world Jewry, as shown in this generous donation, makes us feel we are not alone facing our challenges and will help us secure our future here in Denmark.”
