Abul (L) with Michelman
PR photo
Kuwaiti businessman helps renovate Las Vegas synagogue
What brings Jewish and Muslim businessmen to decide to join forces in no other than the city of sins, Las Vegas?
Mike Abul, an American businessman from New-York, born to a Kuwaiti father and a Lebanese mother, has recently donated $35,000 to Temple Beth Sholom, Vegas' largest Conservative synagogue.
The donation was made following a friendship that was formed between Abul and Jeff Michelman, one of Vegas' Jewish residents. This friendship has made Abul one the city's Jewish community's biggest supporters.
"As open-minded as my family is, the Kuwaiti perception of Israel isn't the most positive one," said Abul. "I guess the joint interests Jeff and I have in real estate, and our similar family background has resulted in our business relations turning into a friendship."
Even so, what could bring a Muslim to give such a generous donation to a Jewish temple? "I feel very fortunate to have met Jeff. Our friendship has opened many doors for me, and I've met some wonderful people," said Abul. "I am grateful, and the most natural place for me to show this gratitude was the temple."
Temple Beth Sholom held a ground-breaking ceremony in the beginning of May, marking the building of the synagogue's new addition and honoring Abul by naming one of the classes after his daughter, Sophia.
