Pictured at the official unveiling of the wall plaques honouring the ten presidents of the Orthodox Sephardic Synagogue of Laval who have served in that capacity since the birth of the Congregation in 1968: left to right, current president Marc Sarfaty, Rabbi Moshé Nahan (since 1995), Charles Amar (1999-2000), Joel Bénoliel, son of the late Leon Bénoliel (the community's first president, 1968-1969), Naphtaly Ohayon ((1991-1992), David Itah (2005), Salomon Oziel ((1976-1984, 1995-1996), mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, Mario Edery (1970-1971), Chomedey District city councillor Basile Angelopoulos, Israeli Consul General Yoram Elron, Laval Les Îles MP Raymonde Folco, and Albert Bouhadana (1987-1988, 1993-1994). Missing from the picture is Armand Nathan (2001-2004).
(Also instrumental in the life of the Orthodox Sephardic Synagogue of Laval: the late Jack Delmar, one of the founders, later named Consul of the Canadian Embassy in Brazil, and Mr. Guy Teboul, the writer of the Community's Statutes and Resolutions.)
(Photo: Maya)
Time is golden at Sephardic Community of Laval
Past presidents honoured on eve of 50th anniversary of Laval synagogue
Laval’s Sephardic Congregation this past week publicly acknowledged the contributions of its first ten presidents, dating back to the synagogue's birth in 1968.
In attendance at the ceremony were several of the past presidents, current president Marc Sarfaty, Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, Chomedey city councillor Basile Angelopooulos, Laval-Les Îles federal MP Raymonde Folco, and Yoram Elron, Consul General of Israel and Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization whose headquarters are in Montreal.
Success tied to city’s evolution
In his remarks to the hundred people gathered at the Synagogue mayor Gilles Vaillancourt linked the success of the congregation to the growth and development of Laval. “You were established in 1968. You’re just a few years younger than our great city, and you’ve grown in your services and presence alongside Laval, and we are proud to share our success with yours and yours with ours,” the mayor stated.
Following several other speakers, including Rabbi Moshé Nahan and president Marc Sarfaty, all of whom cited the importance of the role of the Notre Dame Blvd. synagogue in the lives of the Sephardic Community of Laval, gifts of appreciation were presented to past presidents or their family members.
At the unveiling of the wall plaque acknowledging the years of service of the Congregation’s ten presidents, mayor Vaillancourt once again addressed words of congratulations for the exceptional work performed by these leaders and many other volunteers.
The mayor noted that volunteers are the backbone of any community initiative. The positive role of the synagogue in spiritual, social, and cultural leadership has been defined and shaped by the multi-dimensional contributions of many generous people of this congregation, the mayor emphasized.
"It's with great pride that we acknowledge this great centre of religion, language, and culture as part of our larger community and it is with great respect and appreciation that we recognize the contribution of the many volunteers to the success of the work of the synagogue. Your community and our city are better for it," the mayor stated, seconds before drawing a loud, emotional, and resounding response from the gathering with his closing remarks, spoken in Hebrew: "I wish everyone great peace!"
Vibrant community
Consul General Yoram Elron lauded the vibrancy of the Sephardic Community of Laval. "I sense unity and cohesion here, a commitment to the advancement of the rights and liberties not only of the Jewish community but the community-at-large," he told Courrier Laval, adding that he was very pleased and deeply touched by the people and the event.
These sentiments were echoed by Councilor Angelopoulos and MP Folco. "Volunteers deserve recognition for their benevolence in the service of others and this is a feast of acknowledgment of their generosity," Mr. Angelopoulos told Courrier Laval.
"This is a lovely event, in recognition of people who are rooted in the community and who give of themselves generously in the service of fellow human beings. I am very proud to be part of this celebration of work, worship, and family," Mrs. Folco commented in a short interview following the official part of the celebration.
Photo:Seph
(Also instrumental in the life of the Orthodox Sephardic Synagogue of Laval: the late Jack Delmar, one of the founders, later named Consul of the Canadian Embassy in Brazil, and Mr. Guy Teboul, the writer of the Community's Statutes and Resolutions.)
(Photo: Maya)
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