Thank you to all our community’s friends

To all our friends – Thank you

Within minutes of the shocking news breaking across Sydney on the evening of Sunday 14 December, the first flowers appeared at the gates of The Great Synagogue on Elizabeth Street – simple, heartfelt gestures of support, solidarity and love.

Over the week, the number of floral tributes grew and by week’s end, hundreds of beautiful bouquets lined the gates, bearing messages of grief and shared love and support – many from international visitors. Among them fresh white roses wrapped in the Israeli flag, a small statue of an angel with a note on its wings, or a Star of David woven from long strands of grass, they all were brought by people who care, who stand with us, and who wanted to express that solidarity publicly and respectfully.

A few days ago, the President of the Synagogue received a parcel containing 54 letters of support from Manning Valley Covenant Ministries in Taree. Delivered in person by members of the church, the letters are among many beautiful messages that continue to arrive at the Synagogue office.

A selection of the cards is now displayed in the synagogue mezzanine and may be viewed during service times. In consultation with the Sydney Jewish Museum, all the cards and selected dried flowers will be transferred to the Museum to form part of the future memorial art installation currently being planned.