Congregants fight shul board to keep rabbi

MEMBERS of Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation (GCHC) have signed a petition demanding an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to determine the fate of the shul’s current board and rabbi.

They took the action after the board decided not to renew Rabbi Nir Gurevitch’s contract that is due to expire at the end of August.

It’s understood the board, led by president David Rebibou, informed some key congregants of its decision, but most only found out about it after an advertisement for a new rabbi was placed in The AJN earlier this month.

“They decided to not renew my contract without informing the members and getting their consent,” Rabbi Gurevitch said.

“When the advert was put in the Jewish News, the ­members were taken by surprise and they thought it was outrageous because we have been here for 20 years and the majority of the congregation are in favour of me and the services that I provide.”

Rabbi Gurevitch said he hasn’t made any plans beyond August as he is hoping to keep his job at GCHC.

“I want to stay here and serve this community because it has been very enriching, inspiring and a great privilege,” he said.

According to Rebibou, the decision was taken by the board with the best interest of the congregation in mind. But, he said, if the EGM has been called by enough members, then he is prepared for the issue to be discussed there.

“We have now received the letter for the meeting and as soon as we check that everyone on the list is entitled to sign the petition, we will have the meeting,” Rebibou said. “If another board comes in, then it is their decision if they decide to re-instate the rabbi.”

Long-time congregant Gerald Moses, who served on the board for many years, said he supports the rabbi but will accept any decision that the congregation takes. “No matter what happens, this will divide the community and it will take a few years to get past it.”

JOSHUA LEVI

Rabbi Nir Gurevitch.