Abramovich set to buy United

[Tea Bar Boy]

http://www.thejc.com/articles/200832148/ab...nited-synagogue

The United Synagogue could be about to benefit from a massive cash injection, courtesy of an unexpected benefactor: billionaire Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.

According to sources close to the Russian oligarch, whose fortune is thought to be in excess of £8 billion, he has fallen out of love with football and is said to be seriously considering funding Britain’s biggest Jewish religious organisation.

Abramovich’s possible change of direction may explain why big-money signings at Chelsea have been thin on the ground in recent months.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that recent talks with senior figures at the US are likely to result in a huge investment — possibly in excess of £100 million.

He told the JC: “Mr Abramovich has become passionate about his Judaism in the past year or two. His vision is to transform the United Synagogue into a world-class religious organisation which will be able to take on the best in Europe, notably the Catholic Church.â€

Although Mr Abramovich has expressed confidence in the work done over the years by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, he is said to be enthusiastic about bringing in a new director of religion to work alongside Sir Jonathan in rejuvenating the organisation. He is also said to be considering investing in other personnel. Mr Abramovich plans to use the bait of higher salaries to recruit world-class rabbis from the continent and the USA.

A huge sum of money will also be earmarked to bring the organisation’s facilities up to date, with the flagship synagogue, St John’s Wood, set for demolition and reconstruction. Another plan Mr Abramovich is said to be considering is the building of a brand-new headquarters for the organisation — possibly at Stamford Bridge.

Said the source: “Two hotels were built as part of the Stamford Bridge complex by the previous Chelsea owner, Ken Bates. They could be converted into a state-of -the-art United Synagogue HQ. The Star of David would then stand alongside the Chelsea lion at the gates of the stadium.â€

This is not the first time Mr Abramovich has donated funds to Jewish organisations.

In Russia, he is a long-time supporter of the Lubavitch-led Federation of Jewish Communities.

[PloKoon13]

If he's that passionate about his Judaism, and he doesn't like football very much, why didn't he buy Tottenham?

[Ruh Buh Juh]

Do NOT scare people like that with a thread title like that! ;)

[Tea Bar Boy]

If he's that passionate about his Judaism, and he doesn't like football very much, why didn't he buy Tottenham?

He tried to but Daniel Levy did not return his calls as he thought it was a wind up ..........................

[TheWestwayWonder]

I cant remember where I heard this recently, but supposedly in 2003 Roman was interested in buying Spurs, and part of what changed his mind was when his plane came to land at Heathrow he looked out the window and saw Stamford Bridge below him and said something like "whose is that one?"

and on it went from there

Edited July 20, 2009 by TheWestwayWonder

[geezer]

I cant remember where I heard this recently, but supposedly in 2003 Roman was interested in buying Spurs, and part of what changed his mind was when his plane came to land at Heathrow he looked out the window and saw Stamford Bridge below him and said something like "whose is that one?"

and on it went from there

There's also a rumour of something similar when looking at options for a training complex he looked out of the helicopter window, saw an expanse of grass and said, "Let's buy that" only to be told he wouldn't be allowed to buy Hyde Park.

[mad_mac]

The rumour is that he was flying in a helicopter when he saw Stamford Bridge and decided to go with it rather than Tottensh*t.

Anyway, I am all for him finding his religion, and investing heavily in it, taking on the Catholic Church, or whatever he wants to do. But to build a Synagogue at Stamford bridge would be foolish. In Scotland I can't stand the intertwining of Football and Religion, and despite the y*d bashing that goes on between us and Tottenham, they call themselves the y*d Army, so I don't see that as being anti-semetic (well, it is but not as sinister).

However, if we were to open a Synagogue at the Bridge, I just think it'd open up a whole can of worms that would best be left alone

Scott

[PraetorianGuard]

http://www.thejc.com/articles/200832148/ab...nited-synagogue

The United Synagogue could be about to benefit from a massive cash injection, courtesy of an unexpected benefactor: billionaire Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.

According to sources close to the Russian oligarch, whose fortune is thought to be in excess of £8 billion, he has fallen out of love with football and is said to be seriously considering funding Britain’s biggest Jewish religious organisation.

Abramovich’s possible change of direction may explain why big-money signings at Chelsea have been thin on the ground in recent months.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that recent talks with senior figures at the US are likely to result in a huge investment — possibly in excess of £100 million.

He told the JC: “Mr Abramovich has become passionate about his Judaism in the past year or two. His vision is to transform the United Synagogue into a world-class religious organisation which will be able to take on the best in Europe, notably the Catholic Church.â€

Although Mr Abramovich has expressed confidence in the work done over the years by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, he is said to be enthusiastic about bringing in a new director of religion to work alongside Sir Jonathan in rejuvenating the organisation. He is also said to be considering investing in other personnel. Mr Abramovich plans to use the bait of higher salaries to recruit world-class rabbis from the continent and the USA.

A huge sum of money will also be earmarked to bring the organisation’s facilities up to date, with the flagship synagogue, St John’s Wood, set for demolition and reconstruction. Another plan Mr Abramovich is said to be considering is the building of a brand-new headquarters for the organisation — possibly at Stamford Bridge.

Said the source: “Two hotels were built as part of the Stamford Bridge complex by the previous Chelsea owner, Ken Bates. They could be converted into a state-of -the-art United Synagogue HQ. The Star of David would then stand alongside the Chelsea lion at the gates of the stadium.â€

This is not the first time Mr Abramovich has donated funds to Jewish organisations.

In Russia, he is a long-time supporter of the Lubavitch-led Federation of Jewish Communities.

Hmm, doesn't sound realistic.

[flasher10]

Ha ha ..brilliant article....

Love the "world-class religious organisation which will be able to take on the best in Europe", "new director of religion" and "world class rabbis" bits.

[That Boy Brandinho]

Ha ha ..brilliant article....

Love the "world-class religious organisation which will be able to take on the best in Europe", "new director of religion" and "world class rabbis" bits.

Yeah, I'm stunned that nobody else realized it's a parody. Good stuff.

[TheWestwayWonder]

haha, i read the first two sentences and then skimmed past. The part about converting the hotels into synagoges is funny

[Josh CFC]

I don't see a synagogue being build at Stamford Bridge, it wouldn't be good for religion or football, so I think he'll stay away from it...