Elie Hirschfeld Donates $18,000 to the Jewish Community of Rome, Inspired by Visit with Pope

New York, NY, March 07, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Philanthropist and Hirschfeld Properties president, Elie Hirschfeld was deeply moved by his trip to the Great Synagogue of Rome and is commemorating the event by donating $18,000 to Rome’s Jewish community. Both, Hirschfeld, and his wife, Sarah Schlesinger, MD, represented Park East Synagogue and Rabbi Arthur Schneier at Pope Francis’ historic trip to visit the Great Synagogue of Rome last month. The papal visit was a significant showing of Catholic-Jewish friendship and the Hirschfelds were inspired by the momentous occasion.

Hirschfeld commented at the time “This is a historic moment and moving that this Pope has made it a point to befriend the Jewish people. As anti-Jewish sentiment has risen worldwide, this visit sends a message of unity and warmth, and this was an important gesture.”

The Roman Jewish community has existed since early Roman times, despite repeated acts of persecution. Today, the community is small but dedicated, even as anti-Semitism spreads across Europe. Hirschfeld’s donation brings awareness to the struggles of Jews in Europe today as well as shining a light on interfaith efforts promoting peace and unity between communities and religions.

About Hirschfeld Properties:
Hirschfeld Properties is an owner of real estate, developing projects in the New York metropolitan area. With affiliates, it has been engaged in the development or ownership of some of the most renowned office buildings, hotels, multi-family residential buildings, parking facilities and retail projects in New York City. It has developed projects such as luxury residential towers Park Avenue Plaza, The Gotham and The Exchange, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York’s first open-air parking garages, Manhattan Mall and the Sports Club LA Building.