First ever NSW Police Remembrance Day service held in a Synagogue
As part of its Friday night Shabbat service, the Central Synagogue in Sydney’s east and members of the Sydney Jewish community marked National Police Remembrance Day to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Labor MP, Walt Secord; NSW Police Chaplain Rabbi Mendel Kastel; Central Synagogue Rabbi Levi Wolff (back row)
and Deputy Police Commissioner, Nick Kaldas and Randwick City Councillor, Pat Garcia.
It was the first non-Christian service to mark Police Remembrance Day in NSW.
The service was held in conjunction with Rabbi Mendel Kastel, the Jewish chaplain for the NSW Police.
The memorial service started before then flowed into the regular Shabbat service.
(Earlier this year in March, Tamworth-based Senior Constable David Rixon became the 251st officer in NSW to lay down their life in the line of duty.)
NSW Deputy Police Commissioner, Nick Kaldas and a number of police officers including Eastern Beaches Police Commander, Superintendent Gavin Dengate and Parramatta Commander Tony Trichter attended the service as well as local political leaders including Waverley Mayor, Sally Betts; Deputy Mayor, Tony Kay and newly elected Randwick Councillor Pat Garcia.
NSW Upper House Labor MP, Walt Secord, who is also NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel deputy chair was asked to read the prayer at the synagogue.
“Police officers make sacrifices for the community to protect us. That is what we as a society ask the police to do. They stand where we cannot,” Mr Secord said.
Mr Secord praised Rabbi Kastel for organising the service, saying the Jewish community and the police enjoy a close working relationship and the event cemented their links.
The Central Synagogue choir sang Waltzing Matilda in Hebrew.
National Police Remembrance Day is observed on the feast day for St Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police.
National Police Remembrance Day was first held on September 29, 1989 as a result of a joint decision at the 1988 Australasia and South West Pacific Region Commissioner’s Conference.
The prayer read – In Thanksgiving for all Departed Officers: – WALT SECORD
Lord, make us truly grateful for the lives and example of others, particularly the contribution made by all departed police officers and those who in execution of their duty made the supreme sacrifice of their lives. We give thanks for their protection, guidance and friendship. May their sacrifice and Your love renew our strength and help us grow constantly in the hope of eternal glory. May this be Your will. Amen.
A big thankyou to Rabbi Kastel for organising this special service.