Jewish philanthropic family pledges £2m to 190-year-old security institute

A Jewish philanthropic family has pledged £2 million to the world’s oldest defence and security think-tank.

David and Judy Dangoor, through their Exilarch’s Foundation, gave the “extraordinary” gift to the 190-year-old Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), whose patron is Queen Elizabeth II.

In a statement, David Dangoor said the need for “politically unbiased” analysis was growing ever more important, as the threat to democracies from misinformation pushed through social media channels grows ever larger.

“I’m bowled over by the generosity of the Dangoor family,” said RUSI chair Sir David Lidington, who served as a minister under David Cameron and Theresa May.

“Given the impact of the pandemic, I was concerned that fundraising would take a hit. This donation from David Dangoor and his family is extraordinarily welcome and a huge vote of confidence in RUSI and in our plans.”

Dangoor said: “I believe that the work of RUSI has become increasingly important in these challenging times and it deserves our support. Our gift should help RUSI fulfil its charitable mission by providing independent, politically-unbiased analysis and information to the wider public, in the UK and overseas.”

His foundation is best known for work in education and health, both in the UK and Israel, but also provides support to a far wider set of goals.

RUSI charts developments in military doctrine, defence management, and defence procurement, but also helps policymakers in areas such as financial and organised crime, terrorism, extremism, and climate change.

Dr Karin von Hippel, RUSI’s director-general, described the donation as “an exceptional and historic gift” and “an accolade to the quality of our research, analysis and expertise… It will allow us to invest in its research and conference facilities, as well as our historic library”.

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