The Jewish Deli on Manhattan’s Lower East Side: A Hub for Discussion and Reflection
As I sit down with Alex Soros, the 39-year-old heir to the multibillion-dollar empire built by his famous investor and philanthropist father George, at Russ & Daughters Cafe, I am struck by the contrast between the warm, inviting atmosphere of the deli and the weighty topics that will soon be discussed.
Alex, a connoisseur of Jewish delis, is eager to dive into the history of these iconic institutions, which have been a staple of New York City’s culinary scene for over a century. He shares his own connection to the deli, revealing that he has been ordering bagels from one of their delis since his youth.
As we sit down to lunch, Alex’s thoughts turn to his father, George, who founded the Open Society Foundations to promote democracy and human rights in central and eastern Europe. Alex is deeply proud of his father’s legacy, which has been marked by controversy and criticism from the right.
Alex, who is also a major figure on the left in America, is fiercely unapologetic about his family’s philanthropic efforts and their commitment to social justice. He believes that the Open Society Foundations, which have been a significant force in promoting democracy and human rights around the world, are under threat from rising nationalist and populist forces.
Despite the challenges, Alex remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. He believes that the struggles for civil rights and equality are urgent and that the Open Society Foundations are well-positioned to play a key role in supporting these efforts.
As we discuss the current state of global affairs, Alex is visibly animated, sharing his concerns about the direction of the world and the threat posed by autocratic leaders. He is deeply troubled by the rise of conspiracy theories and the toxic rhetoric that has become increasingly prevalent in political discourse.
Throughout our conversation, Alex is open and reflective, sharing his own thoughts and experiences as a member of the Soros family. He is also candid about the challenges he has faced, including the criticism and conspiracy theories that have been leveled against his family and their philanthropic efforts.
As we wrap up our lunch, Alex and I discuss his recent engagement to Huma Abedin, former aide to Hillary Clinton, and his plans to marry in the spring. He is clearly thrilled about the prospect of starting a new chapter in his life, but he is also aware of the scrutiny that will come with being a high-profile couple.
In the end, our conversation at Russ & Daughters Cafe is a testament to the power of food, family, and philanthropy to bring people together and inspire positive change. As Alex Soros, a true believer in the importance of social justice and human rights, navigates the complexities of the world, he remains committed to his family’s legacy and to the values that have guided them for generations.
