Historic day as Bankstown relics find new home

The last remaining shule in Sydney’s west – Parramatta Synagogue – was appropriately full to capacity on March 15 to mark a truly special occasion with a look to both preserving the legacy of the past and building a bright future.

The audience of well over 100 people was treated to dedication ceremonies celebrating three special items that were rescued and then lovingly restored from Bankstown Synagogue, which was destroyed by a deliberately-lit fire by an arsonist on March 5, 1991.

An original Bankstown Synagogue pew, a 1913 foundation stone, and tablets displaying the 10 Commandments were all unveiled at the special event in their new permanent home – Parramatta Synagogue.

The event was also an opportunity to officially open Parramatta Shule’s new Daat Library and Learning Centre, which is part of its recently established Greater Western Sydney Jewish Cultural Centre (GWSJCC), via the unveiling of another plaque.

Finally, there was time for a celebratory feast, prepared by volunteers Sue Morris, Leah Shelton, and Jill Abkiewicz.