Businessman, philanthropist and community leader Lev Leviev was received at a luncheon of the American Council for World Jewry, in New York City.
Leviev and his host, Council Chairman Jack Rosen, both recalled their recent visit together to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the opening of a new Jewish day school.
Leviev reported on the dramatic growth in communal and religious activity in the former Soviet Union since the Soviet collapse nearly 20 years ago. Contrary to predictions, and despite continued emigration to Israel and other countries, Jews continue to arrive at the doorsteps of 500 Jewish communities affiliated with the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS, which Leviev chairs.
What is the secret to the successful rebirth of Jewish life in the Soviet successor states, when the American Jewish community is struggling to retain or attract young Jews?
According to Leviev, the answer is not ideology or denomination. It lies in a commitment by the community workers, in most cases Lubavitch emissaries, to devote their careers to a specific community.
“There is definitely potential out there, even in the United States, where assimilated Jews on campus are open to learning about Judaism if approached the right way. People seek knowledge and a connection.”
Leviev has also funded day school education in the United States, especially for the Bukharan Jewish community. The challenges facing emigre families are acute, and the assimilation rate among those not connected through a school or a community center is astronomical. If we educate and involve the children, the parents are also more likely to be inspired.
Leviev stressed the importance of the American Council as a focal point for communities around the world, and for leaders such as himself, looking forward to further cooperation and partnership.
