At the sidelines of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) in Athens, Arutz Sheva got the chance to speak with Josh Spinner, executive VP and CEO of the Ronald Lauder Foundation, about the city’s Jewish school.

The Lauder Athens Jewish Community School is widely recognized as the “heart” of the local Jewish community, Spinner said, metaphorically noting how it pumps life into the community.

No less than 50% of the budget of the Athens Jewish community goes to school, indicating just how essential the community views the institution.

The Jews in Athens had a financial crisis a few years ago, so “we had an opportunity to get involved” to support the school, he said.

“They recognize that identity comes from education.”