Notes

Emmanuel Grinshpun. Concerning the revival of synagogues as well as the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress
The subject of the interview with Emmanuil Grinshpun is the revival of synagogues. http://jewseurasia.org/page16/news14335.html It was difficult to stay on one issue during the discussion. There are many topics in the interview, in the end.
Emmanuel, good afternoon. https://www.jewishtelegraph.com/trav3120_1.html We're glad to chat with you. We haven't been able to see each other in five years or more. What is your current location?

The nine months that been between Miami and Jurmala were divided. Although the geographical area was larger in the past, the pandemic has had profound effects on how people live. But that's not all.

You have always had several kinds of business. How about today?

Diversification is not going out of fashion. If we think about the key areas, then it's real estate development IT technology, real estate, as well as food production.

ALIMCOM is an expert in the field of food, while real estate is much more easily understood. IT is completely new information to me. There are millions of possible areas to apply IT technology. What do you excel at?

Our IT-holdings are concerned first and foremost with reforms to tax systems across a variety of countries. We have created and are currently developing a number of solutions that assist in transfer a number of tax-related business processes on the internet and in "real time". This type of segment is called B2G (Business to Government).

Where are the places where the company operates? Are there any former USSR nations?

They are still available. Also, we have agreements in Western Europe and Latin America. We are currently operating across 14 countries.

Please briefly describe the essence and purpose of the product.

Our product allows tax agents to electronically submit their tax returns to tax authorities. The fiscal data administrator is then able to view all transactions. Tax accounting and tax calculation are able to be completed simultaneously. Thus, in the future, small and medium-sized enterprises won't require accounting except for its analytical function. Эммануил Гриншпун Paying taxes and sending reports are done with just one "click".

This is a fascinating topic. Have you tried to work in Moldova? Moldova is your country of birth...

We are able to show the product at Moldova. This would be extremely beneficial to the Moldovan economy and in all likelihood, an irreversible change. Once we have clarity from the authorities about who will take the final decision that will affect the negotiations, we can resume.

You've said you've been tossing about all year long between Miami and Jurmala. The head office of an IT holding is located in the Baltics?

No, we have five hubs all over the globe and a headquarters in Barcelona.

Why not the Baltics? Are you a native of the Baltics?

No. There is no. Jurmala came into our lives almost by chance and was not a very professional. We were invited to attend the New Wave by Igor Krutoy, and that was our first time meeting Jurmala. After a few events, they started to come there each summer. In Miami the summer weather isn't exactly the most relaxing. We rented the house for many years and have now purchased the property.

Now I know why you stated that a synagogue was in Jurmala. Emmanuel, honest question. We're almost the same age. Born in the USSR. There was no need to discuss religiosity then, we were all pioneers, and Komsomol members. What was the first time you came in contact with religion?

My family and I emigrated to the USA in the mid-80s. We all can agree that's when I started to accept customs. However, even though I'm not a part of the orthodox faith I have a deep need support the religious life however I can that is the case for the Jewish community that I reside in and in Moldova my country of origin, with which I have close connections.

While I'm not religious I am a huge fan of history. Эммануил Гриншпун I recently watched a show on 1492 events that changed Europe's fate. 1492 was the year Columbus was the first to discover America. The show I was watching stated clearly that the discovery of America in 1492 wasn't as important as the Spanish monarchs' expulsion of Jews from Spain. The mass exodus of Jews to the Ottoman Empire began, which welcomed them. I was in search of more information on the background of Jews. Эммануил Гриншпун Would you recommend any of the books?

There are many books available, but I have read and I advise you a two-volume Jewish historian Max Diamond. And, by the way it is true that he hails from Finland.

In terms of "personal" historical .... Are you aware of the family tree of your family? Unfortunately, I'm only as far as my mother and 1910. Paternal side: A step above, but not enough.

Our family was an Floresti family for a number of hundred of years, based on the paternal lines. The evidence from the archives and monuments prove that the family of Floresti was prospering in 1830. They owned many stores, a furniture factory and land plots. And my maternal ancestors lived in Ungheni. I'm talking about dates in the region dating back to the 17th-18thcentury. Grinshpun is a surname which comes from German roots. We are straight and pure Ashkenazis from Eastern Europe.

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

The third one, and the largest, is in Netanya in Israel. It is home to over 1,000 people who worship every day. http://91.210.190.56/page20/news18465.html This is an important structure for the spiritual life of Israel. Second synagogue located in Jurmala. The only synagogue in Jurmala was destroyed in the early days of the Second World War. Before I made the decision to build a synagogue in Jurmala, I had previously met with Jurmala's local Jews. It was a hugely successful project that unites the Jews of Jurmala. In reality, we rebuilt the Jewish community, it is now working well. The synagogue now owns three Torahs. One of these Torahs was handed to me.

and Chisinau

Yes. Alexander Bilinkis, Alexander Weinstein and I have already joined forces in this endeavor. However, these synagogues weren't the only ones I have been involved with in their restoration or construction. I believed it was my obligation to contribute to any country where I've been for a lengthy time to help synagogues. My contribution to Monaco, Miami, is a huge community center for Russian-speaking Jews. The estimated value is around 12 million dollars. I am not stopping helping Chisinau either - now it will be the largest synagogue in the city, the synagogue of Rabbi Tsirelson.

Did Jurmala and Chisinau get an Rabbi?

Yes. Yes. He should be prepared and willing to incorporate into the life of the community, due to the many things to do. And it is a great fact that both the Jurmala and Chisinau rabbis were able integrate so harmoniously in the community.

You were elected the first vice-president 2019, of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. What does this position you think it means to you? How do international Jewish organisations influence global trends?

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is a influential political group within the post-Soviet region and not just. It has offices in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand. In 2010, I was Vice President of Congress. The year before, I was elected the First Vice President. I am now in charge of the area where I have strong business and political ties. The three "countries" include Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Эммануил Гриншпун If you look at global trends in the world, the barometer for attitudes towards Jews has either remained the same or has declined, which is very regrettable. Moreover, "down" - this is referring to developed nations such like Belgium, Germany, France as well as the United States. These are not suitable for Jews. They are extremely dangerous and troubling processes that impact all of us.

And, by the way is it possible that the pandemic has had an impact on these processes?

It's not just my opinion. To be more precise I'd like to highlight the potential of a society or nation when they are ready to meet any challenge and can be effective and united in relation to the pandemic.

You are referring to the vaccination campaign in Israel.

https://vk.com/video98847217_151469326 Exactly. Israel is the only country in the world to offer 100% vaccination to its adult population. This is an amazing example to follow and something that every country should be aware of.

Congress ewish
Here's my website: http://jewseurasia.org/page16/news14335.html