Emmanuel Grinshpun. The restoration of synagogues, and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress

Emmanuil Grinshpun's theme for the interview was the restoration of synagogues. It was, however, impossible to focus on only one issue. There were numerous other topics that were discussed during the interview.
Emmanuel, good afternoon. I'm happy to a talk with you. We have not seen each since five years. Where are you currently located?

The last nine months have seen Miami and Jurmala share the distinction. The geographical area was larger in the past, however the pandemic has impacted the way of life. I can't say for certain that this is for the better.

You have always had many business lines. Like now?

Diversification is not going from the world. If we look at the main areas of focus that are developing, it's realty, IT technologies as well as food production.

ALIMCOM is the food industry. Real estate is also understandable. But IT is new to me. There are a myriad of fields that IT technology is used. What are you best at?

Our IT-holdings are involved with tax reforms, but first, with reforms of tax systems in a number of countries. We've developed and are developing a range of products that help to transfer various tax-related processes on the internet as well as in "real time". This area is known as "Business to Government".

Эммануил Гриншпун And what about the regions where the holding operates? Are there any former USSR nations?

They exist. We have agreements in Western, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Our current operations are in 14 countries.

Эммануил Гриншпун Please briefly explain the essence and purpose of this product.

Our solution allows tax agents to report electronically to tax authorities. The fiscal data administrator will then be able to see all transactions. The product also allows tax accounting as well as tax computation to be done simultaneously. In the near future, small- and medium-sized businesses won't need accounting except for its analytical function. Paying taxes and sending reports is done in just one "click".

It's an interesting subject. The future is now. Have you tried to work in Moldova? In the end, Moldova is your native country...

We are able to show the product to Moldova. This would be a huge benefit for the Moldovan economy, and in all likelihood, an irreversible transition. If there is an agreement between the government authorities, and it is obvious who is making the decisions the decisions, we'll resume the discussions about our product.

You said that you've been bouncing around all the year about Miami, Jurmala. The Baltics is the home of the head office of an IT company.

There are five hubs around the world and the headquarters is located in Barcelona.

Why then the Baltics! Do you have roots in the Baltics?

https://proza.ru/2021/07/14/205 No. There is no. Jurmala entered our lives through chance and very prosaically. The first time we got there was when Igor Krutoy invited us to the New Wave. After winning numerous competitions the group began going there each summer. The climate in Miami's summer is not the best. We rented the house for many years and recently purchased it.

Now I understand why you said that one synagogue was located in Jurmala. Emmanuel, honest question. We are nearly identical in age. We were born in the USSR. It was not necessary to discuss religious beliefs back then. We were all pioneers, and Komsomol members. When was the first time you began to turn to religious belief?

In the latter half of the 80s, my family and myself relocated to the USA. It was in the USA that I became aware of traditions. Although I am not religiously orthodox, I feel the urge to help, as best I can, the religious lives of the Jewish community in my country of birth or in Moldova.

You see, although I'm far from being religious, history is something I really enjoy. I recently watched a show about events in 1492 which changed the fate of Europe. 1492 is when Columbus first discovered America. It was clear in the show that the discovery of America was done in 1492, however, not from a Medieval Europe's point of view. This was apparent in the program that I watched. The mass exodus of Jews to the Ottoman Empire began. They were accepted by the Ottoman Empire. Эммануил Гриншпун I'm interested in knowing more about the past and the culture of the Jews. Would you recommend any of the books?

There are many books, but I myself have read and I advise you to pick up a book in two volumes Jewish historian Max Diamond. He is from Finland, by the way.

.... Do we have a family tree of our own? Unfortunately, I don't know anything beyond my grandmother's name and 1910. One step further on the paternal side but nothing more.

Our paternal line lived in Floresti for over 100 years. There is documentary evidence and monuments to show that already in 1830 they were very wealthy, they had an furniture factory, a number of shops, and land plots. My maternal ancestors also resided in Ungheni. This is referring to dates from the region of the 17th-18th century. Эммануил Гриншпун Grinshpun is a surname which comes from German roots. We are pure and straight Ashkenazis and straight from Eastern Europe.

Here's a question on the restoration and maintenance of synagogues. I was told that you had funded the reconstruction of three synagogues. One of them is located in Chisinau. Jurmala has the other. What is the one you're talking about?

The third largest is located in Netanya, Israel. It's a large community center that accommodates more than 1,000 people every day. It is an important object in the religious life of Israel. The second synagogue is Jurmala. At the start of the Second World War, the only synagogue left in Jurmala was destroyed. Prior to making the decision to construct an orthodox synagogue, I had talked with several local Jews. I then decided to fund its construction and invite Rabbis to visit the synagogue. It proved to be a great success and united all the Jews from Jurmala. We renovated the Jewish community, and it's operating well. Three Torahs are now displayed in the synagogue, one of which I donated to the synagogue.

and and Chisinau

Yes. Alexander Bilinkis, Alexander Weinstein and I are currently partners in this project. These synagogues were not the only ones that I've been involved with in their renovation or construction. I believed that it was my obligation to contribute to help synagogues in the countries I've resided for a long duration. In Monaco there is a huge centre for Russian-speaking Jews is being constructed. My contribution amounts to 12 million dollars. I don't stop supporting Chisinau - it will now be the largest synagogue, the synagogue of Rabbi Tsirelson.

In along with Jurmala, have you invited a rabbi to Chisinau?

Yes. It is very difficult to find the right Rabbi for the community. https://kishinev.org/ru/колель-тора-2018/ Due to the many interconnected interests, he must also be diplomatic and nonconflictual. He should be able to organically join the community. I was pleased that both in Chisinau (and Jurmala) the Rabbis were able to integrate with ease into the life of the community.

Эммануил Гриншпун You were the first vice-president, in 2019 of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. What does this position mean to you, and what do international Jewish organisations influence the world?

Эммануил Гриншпун The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, a influential organization in the post-Soviet zone, is not only an influential political organization. It has offices in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand. I served as Vice President of Congress back in 2010, but in the year prior to that I was given the position as First Vice President. I am now in charge of the area where I have strong business and political relations. The three "countries" include Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Regarding the trends across the world, the barometer of attitudes toward Jews or Jews is at the same level or, as is sad, has dropped. "Down" is also a reference to countries like France, Germany or France that are currently developing. They're not safe anymore for Jews. These are alarming and serious procedures for all of us.

Does the pandemic have an impact on these processes?

It's not just my opinion. Instead, I would like to stress, in relation to the pandemic: what a society, or country, can do when they are capable of overcoming any challenge and act together effectively.

Do you refer to the Israeli vaccination campaign?

Exactly. Israel is the world's first nation to offer 100 percent vaccination to its entire adult population. I consider this to be a good example and an example that other countries can follow.

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