He has secured about 5 million euros to date and expects workers can complete the restoration process by the end of 2023 if the rest of the funding comes through, although the original outstanding 4 million euros has now ballooned to 6 million euros because of soaring building costs.
Venice's ghetto dates from 1516, when the republic forced the growing numbers of Jews into the district where the old foundries, or "geti" as they were known, had been located. The area, which was locked down at night, became what is considered Europe's first ghetto and remains the hub of Venice's Jewish community in the Cannaregio area.
The first synagogue dates from 1528 and was built by German Ashkenazi Jews. Others followed and served different groups, including one for Spanish Sephardic Jews and one for Italian Jews.
None is visible from the street, as strict rules imposed by Venice's rulers didn't allow Jews to practice their faith openly. All the synagogues are hidden away on the top floors of seemingly normal buildings that on the lower levels held cramped living spaces for Jewish families.
The synagogues have remained operational continuously, except for the years of World War II during the German occupation.
The head of Venice's Jewish community, Dario Calimani, said the restoration project was necessary both to maintain the religious and cultural life of Venice's Jews today and to preserve the community's history.
"They are a testimony to the life that it was, to the history of our community, small community," he said.
