An appeal for funds to help the Jewish community of Florence, Italy repair and restore its ancient synagogue, library and museum — all severely damaged in last winter’s catastrophic floods — has been launched by the National Council on Art in Jewish Life.
Rabbi Moshe Davidowitz, chairman of the council, said that the cost of repairing the library alone was estimated at more than $400,000. Some funds have been made available by the Joint Distribution Committee and by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, supplemented by Italian government assistance, but extensive additional funds are required, Rabbi Davidowitz said.
The Florence Jewish community is one of the oldest in Europe, dates from medieval times. Some of the books in its library go back to the 14th century. The National Council on Art in Jewish Life is composed of Jewish organizations, synagogues, museums, galleries, artists and private collectors. Its headquarters are at Stephen Wise Congress House.
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