The Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue in Porto is deeply connected to a prominent Jewish family from London's Spanish and Portuguese Jews' Congregation. Honoring Laura Mocatta Kadoorie was the reason who brought his family to invest in Porto. There is another individuality, however, that was fundamental to the existence of the temple and that is usually forgotten both on its merit and on its connection with Portugal.
Baron Edmond James de Rothschild (1845–1934) was a prominent member of London's Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community who maintained deep connections with the historic Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK. The Baron held a dedicated, prominent seat at the Bevis Marks Synagogue. Historically, this specific seat has been cordoned off and reserved exclusively for prominent visitors.
Portugal was a country that the Baron knew very well. After Haim Amzalak to be appointed vice-consul of Portugal (he served as honorary consul of Portugal in Jerusalem from 1871 and later in Jaffa between 1886 and 1892), the responsibility of managing and expanding his efforts would later be continued by the Baron.
Later, when Baron Rothschild purchased the land for the synagogue in Porto, his decision was rooted in his broader philanthropic mission to support, preserve, and foster Jewish identity worldwide.
