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Last update - 04:16 23/09/2008 Never mind the markets, Bronfman is more interested in Limmud By Raphael Ahren Tags: Financial crisis  Matthew Bronfman is not only confident that Israel's financial markets are not endangered by the recent worldwide financial turmoil, he is so calm about it that this week, he is allowing himself to devote much of his attention to entirely nonfinancial endeavors. While many of his colleagues are busy panicking, Bronfman is concentrating on the first local Limmud Conference for Jews from the former Soviet Union, which will take place on September 25 and 26 in Ashkelon. Bronfman chairs Limmud FSU and will participate in three sessions during the conference, including one titled "Why do I invest in Israel?" More than 1,500 Russian speakers from all over the country are expected to attend the event, which will feature 170 lecturers leading 150 sessions on various aspects of Jewish identity, culture and history. Limmud was founded 25 years ago in the U.K. and its model of volunteer-based educational events has since been imported to 35 Jewish communities all over the world. Advertisement Meanwhile, despite the turmoil on Wall Street, Bronfman is sanguine about the local financial scene. "There is no danger for the Israeli banking system, not at all," said Bronfman, the controlling shareholder of Israel Discount Bank and chairman of a New York-based investment firm. Commenting that he hopes the Israeli public does not panic about Israeli banks, as there is absolutely no reason to, Bronfman told Haaretz last night that his bank would be paying NIS 250 million in dividends to shareholders next month, as planned. Bronfman, whom TheMarker listed as the 33rd most influential man in Israel earlier this month, said he allows himself to spend time on the Limmud conference because he believes the world market is in good hands. "I have a lot of faith in Hank Paulson," he said, referring to the U.S. treasury secretary, who is widely credited with the $700 billion bail-out Washington has provided to stabilize the economy. "I think he is taking the right actions at the right time, and that he is acting very quickly and very decisively." While Bronfman acknowledged that this is a "very difficult time" for the financial markets, he said he is confident that "the system as a whole will be absolutely stable. The governments are stepping in to make sure it will be." Related articles: Massive Limmud event planned for Russian-speakers in Israel Ex-U.S.S.R. Jews to convene for the first time at Moscow event Son of Edgar Bronfman tagged for senior position in WJC Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fighting words Nasrallah: Jerusalem and Palestine will soon be returned to rightful owners. Paul Newman dies 'Exodus' star and legendary actor Paul Newman succumbs to cancer at age 83.   1.   This man is an imbecile 09:44  |  Clickfool 23/09/08   2.   It shows to go ya`! 09:52  |  Zev Davis 23/09/08

Read & React Report: U.S. said no to Israeli strike on Iran Responses: 204 Leftist prof.: Bomb attack shows settler violence spilling over Green Line Responses: 120 Survey: American Jews favor Obama over McCain Responses: 106 Mossad chief fights Iran nuclear program his own way Responses: 51 Nasrallah: Return of Jerusalem and Palestine isn't far Responses: 135 More Headlines 01:03 Sec. Council demands Iran halt enrichment, reaffirms old sanctions 23:46 Livni and Mofaz speak for first time since Kadima primary 00:08 17 killed in massive car bombing in Damascus 01:09 ANALYSIS / Damascus bomb is latest event to shake Syrian security 23:58 Syrian FM: Peace negotiations with Israel stalled 22:46 Legendary actor Paul Newman dies after struggle with cancer 11:42 Israel's unseeded Dudi Sela reaches finals of China Open 16:37 Nablus man attempts to kill mother-in-law with poisoned sweets 03:44 Nasrallah: Return of Jerusalem and Palestine closer than ever 20:12 In first debate, Obama and McCain trade blows over Iran policy, Iraq war 03:53 Palin: We mustn't send Iran message U.S. would allow second Holocaust 23:20 German FM: Ahmadinejad's UN speech 'blatant anti-Semitism' 00:00 Palestinians attack settlers visiting the Tomb of the Patriarchs 01:22 Fire destroys main hall of Egypt's National Theater Previous Editions Select Day 26 sep 25 sep 24 sep 23 sep 22 sep 21 sep 19 sep 18 sep 17 sep 16 sep 15 sep 14 sep

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