Full Breakdown
Alon Abady Donates $100 Million Office Tower to Chabad for Major Jewish Center
1/14/2026, 10:09:44 PM
Overview of the Donation
Alon Abady, a Los Angeles real estate investor, has donated a $100 million office tower to Chabad of California, marking one of the largest contributions to a Jewish organization in history. The 16-story, 300,000-square-foot building, located at 9911 W. Pico Blvd in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, will be transformed into the Chabad Campus for Jewish Life. This new center is expected to become a significant hub for Jewish religious life, education, and social services.
Details of the Chabad Campus
The Chabad Campus for Jewish Life will include a synagogue, venues for life-cycle events, educational facilities, and programs for youth and seniors. It will also provide mental health and social services, support for Jewish students on college campuses, and facilities for large communal gatherings. Rabbi Chaim Nochum Cunin, a leader of West Coast Chabad, described the campus as an "epicenter of Jewish life" that will transform the landscape of Jewish life in Los Angeles and beyond.
Background of the Donor
Alon Abady, managing partner of Waterfall Bridge Capital, purchased the property for $35 million in 2023. His donation is made in honor of his mother, Liora Abady, who was aided by Chabad when the family immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. Abady emphasized the personal significance of this gift, stating, “When my family immigrated to Los Angeles in the 1970s, Chabad was there for us. That was never forgotten.”
Significance of the Center
Once completed, the Chabad Campus will rank among the largest Jewish institutions in North America, second only to Chabad’s Menorah Center in Dnipro, Ukraine. It will serve not only the local Jewish community but also act as a global center for the Lubavitch movement's emissaries. The center is seen as a response to the increasing financial strain on many Jewish institutions, particularly in Los Angeles, where the American Jewish University recently sold its historic Bel Air campus.
Criticism & Opposition
While the donation has been largely welcomed, some critics may question the sustainability of such large-scale projects amidst rising antisemitism and financial challenges faced by Jewish organizations. The timing of the announcement, following tragic events like the Bondi Chanukah Massacre in Australia, raises concerns about the broader context of Jewish safety and community support.
Official Statements
Chabad officials have expressed optimism about the new campus, with Rabbi Shlomo Cunin stating that it will serve as a "beacon of light" for the community. Alon Abady reiterated his commitment to the Los Angeles community, saying, “This gift reflects our deep commitment to the Los Angeles community of all faiths and backgrounds, and our desire to leave a lasting impact for future generations.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It will be an epicenter of Jewish life,” — Rabbi Chaim Nochum Cunin, West Coast Chabad
- “This is a lifelong dream that also allows me to honor my parents and my children.” — Alon Abady
- “This extraordinary gift reflects the Rebbe’s mission to illuminate the world through goodness and kindness,” — Rabbi Shlomo Cunin
The Chabad Campus for Jewish Life is poised to become a transformative institution for Jewish life in Los Angeles, reflecting both a personal legacy and a broader commitment to community support.
