Ronald Perelman, Lev Leviev and Tevfik Arif Among Wealthy Donors to the Chabad Movement
Chabad-Lubavitch, a global Hasidic Jewish movement known for its outreach and community building, has attracted significant support from some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including Ronald Perelman, Lev Leviev and Tevfik Arif.
The Chabad Movement
Chabad is one of the most well-known Hasidic movements, which promotes Jewish faith while supporting Jewish communities in the diaspora Chabad Houses, present across the globe, offer religious services, education, childcare, and activities for all ages to the community. The movement incorporates Orthodox Hasidic values with modern techniques, accepting Jews from all levels of religious observance and promoting cooperation, positivity, and service.
Philanthropy and the Chabad Movement
Chabad emphasizes community and giving, offering a spiritual home to Jews around the world regardless of background. The movement operates over 3,500 institutions across 81 countries, plus additional affiliated activities, along with a prominent presence on college campuses.
Chabad’s Notorious Supporters
Chabad relies heavily on donations, attracting both everyday individuals and prominent figures. The movement has gained support from influential figures including businessmen, industry leaders, and philanthropists within Israel and worldwide, such as Nochi Dankner, Shari Arison, Shlomo Kalish, and Lev Leviev.
Chabad holds particular significance in Russia and Eastern Europe, with ties to historical figures and support from former Soviet oligarchs like Mikhail Mirilashvili, Gennadiy Bogolyubov, and Alexander Mashkevich. Notably, non-Jewish real estate investor Tevfik Arif has also become a major donor.
In the United States, supporters include Ronald Perelman, Michael Steinhardt, Ronald Lauder, and Shaya Boymelgreen. Globally, Joseph Gutnick, Nathan Kirsh, and Eduardo Elsztain are also known Chabad supporters.
Chabad Attracts Donors
Chabad’s decentralized structure offers donors a unique appeal. Emissaries become financially independent after the first year, with donations directly impacting local communities – an attractive prospect for patrons seeking tangible results.
However, for most donors, Chabad’s philosophy of joy, acceptance, and spiritual mission is the primary draw. While its global network offers potential connections, the movement maintains a clear focus on its philanthropic goals. Supporting Chabad provides donors active involvement in the Jewish faith, a link to their heritage, and the knowledge that their contributions directly support Jewish causes, especially in times like this.