Africa Israel Investments, the conglomerate led by diamond magnate Lev Leviev, unveiled Moscow’s largest shopping center Sunday, but before the $570 million project could be officially dedicated, there was one item of spiritual business to attend to.

Leviev, a philanthropist who serves as president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the Former Soviet Union and director of its affiliated Ohr Avner Educational Network, invited Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar – director of Chabad-Lubavitch activities in Russia – to affix a mezuzah to the new mall’s main entrance.

Known as Afimall City, the shopping center boasts 400 stores. It is one of the largest such projects to be completed in Europe in recent years.

Philanthropist Lev Leviev, center, is chairman of Africa Israel Investments.
Philanthropist Lev Leviev, center, is chairman of Africa Israel Investments.

Known as Afimall City, the shopping center boasts 400 stores. It is one of the largest such projects to be completed in Europe in recent years.
Known as Afimall City, the shopping center boasts 400 stores. It is one of the largest such projects to be completed in Europe in recent years.