Rupert Murdoch and wife donate to Adass Israel Synagogue rebuild

Rupert Murdoch and his wife Elena Zhukova have donated $150,000 to assist in the rebuilding of the firebombed Adass Israel Synagogue, with the Herald Sun matching the figure.

Rupert Murdoch and his wife Elena Zhukova visit the Adass Israel Synagogue that was recently firebombed. Picture: David Caird

Rupert Murdoch and his wife Elena Zhukova have donated $150,000 to assist in the rebuilding of the firebombed Adass Israel Synagogue, with the Herald Sun matching the figure.

The $300,000 in donations have helped the Rebuild Adass campaign reach their initial target of $1m.

Mr Murdoch, chairman emeritus of News Corp, and Ms Zhukova have personally given $150,000 to the fundraising effort after touring the scorched Ripponlea synagogue on Thursday.

“The resilience of the local Jewish community and its determination to rebuild the Adass Israel Synagogue was clear to Elena and I during our visit this week,” Mr Murdoch said.

“To ensure this important work can start as quickly as possible, we’ve decided to personally donate $150,000 to the rebuilding fund.

“We hope the synagogue and the local Jewish community can emerge even stronger after such a horrific attack.”

Rupert Murdoch and wife Elena Zhukova hope the Adass Israel Synagogue and the local Jewish community can emerge stronger after the attack. Picture: David Caird

Penny Fowler, chair of the Herald & Weekly Times, and Sam Weir, Herald Sun editor, said the Herald Sun was proud to match Mr Murdoch and Ms Zhukova’s generous donation.

“The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue was not just a terror attack aimed at the Jewish community but also an attack on the Australian way of life,” they said.

“As Victoria’s leading news brand, the Herald Sun stands with our state’s Jewish people and ­condemns such an evil act ­targeting a peaceful place of worship. Rupert Murdoch has always shown true leadership within our company and the wider community and this is a perfect example.

“We are proud to match he and his wife Elena’s donation of $150,000 and hope others will join us in support of these vital rebuilding efforts.”

Chayim Klein, director of the Rebuild Adass campaign, said the donations were “life changing for our community”.

“Words cannot describe our appreciation,” Mr Klein said.

“After the weekend we’ve had, to then receive this donation, we’re so incredibly grateful.”

Mr Klein said Mr Murdoch’s visit to the synagogue on Thursday meant so much to the community.

“The support, love and encouragement was huge,” Mr Klein said. “He felt what we were going through. It was a life-changing experience.”