Chris Minns, Governor Margaret Beazley and Stephen Kamper

The event drew over 400 distinguished attendees, including the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, Amir Maimon, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, and Steven Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism.

Grant McCorquodale, the president of the synagogue, highlighted the fact that the sanctuary was originally constructed during a time when synagogues were tragically being destroyed during the Holocaust. The restoration not only pays tribute to the dreams of the founders but also honours the original architect, Sam Lipson.

With its doors now open, the sanctuary stands poised to become a vibrant space for spiritual, cultural, and community education and engagement. This remarkable achievement owes its realisation to the generous support of donors, as well as the unwavering dedication of the congregation, the clergy, the board, and the staff of Emanuel Synagogue. Together, a visionary dream has been transformed into a living testament to unity, heritage preservation, and the enduring spirit of their community.