It is with great sadness that we report the death on Tuesday, 8 July 2014, of Charles Borenstein, Charles, who was aged 94, served as President of the Comunidad Israelita de Alicante from 1997 to 2004.

He was born in Russia and he moved with his parents to Holland when he was a few months old. Later, the family went to live in Belgium, where Charles spent most of his life before retiring to Spain.

During the Second World War, Charles served as a Fighter Pilot in both the Belgian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

Charles, who had a strong character, always had the best interests of the Community at heart. He was a charismatic and generous man, and one of the main donors to the Community. Charles always showed great drive and determination in pursuing his plans for the Community.

He was a gifted raconteur, and those who knew him used to enjoy listening to the accounts of his travels and experiences.

Charles was very fond of dogs and wild animals. For some time, he kept panthers and tigers in cages, in the grounds of his house. So confident was Charles of his rapport with wild animals, he used to love alarming visitors by entering the panther cage.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, his son and two daughters.

Written by Leslie Winestone