Genesis Philanthropy Group Explained

The Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) is a global family of foundations, co-founded by Mikhail Fridman, an international businessman and philanthropist, and his business partners.^{[1] [2]} In 2022 after Russian invasion in Ukraine the EU imposed sanctions on Fridman, who said the EU's allegations were false and defamatory. After that the Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into and frozen the bank account.^[3] An interim manager was subsequently appointed.^[4]

GPG supports causes which strengthen Jewish identity all over the world, advancing Jewish engagement into the 21st century to create a more diverse and connected global Jewish community.^{[5] [6]}

GPG's work is inspired by its founders’ commitment to:

• strengthening Jewish identity among Russian-speaking Jews worldwide.^[7]
• fostering bonds and common understanding between Jews living in Israel and in the Diaspora.^[8]
• developing innovative formats geared towards the expansion of Jewish engagement opportunities.^[9]
• expanding local and global Jewish connection opportunities in the UK and Spain.^{[10] [11]}

In January 2014, Gennady Gazin was elected chairman of the board. Ilia Salita, the former president and CEO of the foundation, died in June 2020.^[12] Marina Yudborovksy was appointed as GPG's new CEO in July 2020.^{[13] [14]}

In partnership with the State of Israel, GPG launched the “Our Common Destiny” initiative in 2019 to strengthen the bonds among Jews worldwide.^[15] The Declaration of Our Common Destiny sets out five deeply-held values that unite the Jewish people^[16] and was endorsed by Israel's president Reuven Rivlin as a “roadmap for the Jewish future”.^[17]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mikhail M Fridman, LetterOne Holdings SA: Profile and Biography. 2021-04-12. Bloomberg.com. en.
2. Web site: 20 лучших благотворительных фондов богатейших бизнесменов России. 2021-04-12. Forbes.ru. ru.
3. Web site: Regulator investigates charity over sanctioned trustees .
4. Web site: Interim manager appointed to grantmaker after trustees sanctioned over invasion of Ukraine .
5. News: Genesis Philanthropy Group announces recipients of grant money. 2021-04-12. The Jerusalem Post.
6. News: What is COVID-19 doing to the Jewish community?. 2021-04-12. The Jerusalem Post.
7. Web site: Prince. Cathryn J.. NY festival celebrates Russian Jewish immigrants as the 'drivers' of American culture. 2021-04-22. www.timesofisrael.com. en-US.
8. News: 2019-09-11. How should Jews treat each other? Jewish thinkers have come up with a plan.. 2021-04-22. Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
9. News: How technology can keep Holocaust memories alive. 2021-12-23. The Jerusalem Post.
10. Web site: 2018-11-26. Genesis Philanthropy Group announces 'Big Push' to Fund the Growth of Pivotal UK Jewish Community Organizations. 2021-04-22. eJewish Philanthropy.
11. News: Lipshiz. Cnaan. May 27, 2021. To mitigate COVID-19 shortfall, Genesis Philanthropy Group donates $4 million to European Jewish institutions. 2021-12-23. The Forward. en-US.
12. News: Ilia Salita, Genesis Philanthropy Group head, dies. 2021-04-12. The Jerusalem Post.
13. News: Genesis Philanthropy Group names Marina Yudborovsky as new CEO. 2021-04-12. The Jerusalem Post.
14. Web site: Helen. Chernikoff. 2021-03-19. Meet Marina Yudborovsky: Genesis Philanthropy Group's CEO. 2021-04-12. eJewish Philanthropy.
15. Web site: More than 30 Jewish thinkers and leaders launch blueprint for Israeli-diaspora relations. 2021-12-23. www.thejc.com.
16. News: Declaring Our Common Destiny. 2021-12-23. The Jerusalem Post.
17. Web site: 2020-12-18. Global Jewish unity on display as Rivlin endorses 'roadmap for future'. 2021-12-23. JNS.org. en-US.