In an interview with renowned British businessman and philanthropist David Dangor with the Jerusalem Post reporter Zvika Klein, Dangor spoke about his family’s role in helping others and the importance of the heritage of Spanish Jewry. Dangor, who was born in Baghdad and spent his childhood there, said: “It was a great privilege to come from Iraq and build our lives here.” Dangor noted that in his opinion it is a moral duty to help others. “My father always said that if we can help, we have a duty to give back. And I think that is a characteristic of Jews who do this all over the world.”
The philanthropist added that “people who share their kindness, and countries that provide shelter and hospitality do not ask for anything in return. They just want you to draw inspiration and example from them and try to learn from doing.” Klein said Dangor is known for his abilities to create a bridge and mediate between parts of British society and the Jewish world. In addition, Dangor is valued and recognized for his deep understanding and familiarity with the rich heritage of Spanish Jewry. “My feeling is that a wide cultural range and cognitive diversity enriches every nation,” Dangor said. “And the better Israelis understand their broad social fabric and the cultural wealth it contributes to Israel, the better for all of us – and of course for Israel itself.”
Dangor mentioned the connections he is helping to forge between Israel and the UK in various fields, including a groundbreaking study in cancer research, conducted in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute and Imperial College, with the aim of assisting in customizing patient-tailored medications. In addition, he spoke about his support for a program of exchange of scientists between Britain and Israel, about 50 in number, which help promote research, and support for the Center for Universal Monotheism at Bar Ilan University. “The world is interested in Israel,” Dangor concluded, “not only because of its science and innovation capabilities, but also because of its rich cultural baggage.”