Remembering a ‘giant of the community’
True mensch and "giant of the community", Sydney stalwart Graham Einfeld has been remembered following his passing over the weekend.
Sydney community stalwart Graham Einfeld has been remembered as a true mensch and a “giant of the community” following his sad passing last weekend.
Einfeld was treasurer, then president and life governor of Wolper Jewish Hospital, a trustee director of the Wolper Jewish Hospital Health Foundation, held leadership positions with Maccabi, served as treasurer, vice-president and trustee of Moriah College, treasurer of JCA and was a board member of Jewish House.
Einfeld served on the board of Wolper for over 20 years and, during his time as treasurer, he not only ensured the hospital ran efficiently and strengthened its financial base, but he was instrumental in working with management and the board to develop a clear vision for Wolper’s involvement in community health.
A number of programs were initiated during his time there, including the Tay Sachs program (now part of the Wolper Jewish Hospital Community Genetics Program) and wellbeing seminars. These two programs continue to this day and are highly successful.
“Graham was a talented, committed and honourable man – a real mensch – who gave so much of himself and expected nothing in return,” said Wolper Jewish Hospital president Richard Glass.
“A true quiet achiever. Those of us who were fortunate enough to work closely with him were the beneficiaries of his wise counsel and measured approach. He was a giant of the community, a true gentleman and much loved. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on.”
Former Wolper president David Golovsky described Einfeld as a “quiet, unassuming tower of strength to the Jewish community”, while another former president Daniel Goulburn said Einfeld will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with him.
“Graham was extremely committed to the Jewish community over many decades,” said Goulburn.
“He always quietly worked without fanfare, but he had a huge influence on many other communal leaders.”
Einfeld was instrumental in the difficult decision to close Wolper’s unprofitable surgical theatres and to sub-lease them. In 2004 he was elected president and by 2008 the operating theatre leases were terminated and that space was used to accommodate a state of the art physiotherapy gym. The hydrotherapy pool was enlarged and all wards were converted to private rooms with en-suites.
In 2007 Einfeld said, “Demand for rehabilitation services was growing strongly and with an ageing population it became apparent that the hospital would need to provide more space to service this growing need.”
Also during this period, Einfeld established the Community Partnership Committee and fostered such initiatives as Gift of Life Australia, and support of Hatzolah and Camp Sababa.
JCA president Ian Sandler said he had the “honour and pleasure” of working with Einfeld during his time as CEO of JCA.
“Graham was the embodiment of a true mensch – he was kind, wise and always giving of his time, a person one could only hope to emulate,” Sandler said.
“Our community is richer as a result of his involvement, and he leaves an incredible legacy for his family. I wish them all long life and strength at this very sad time.”
Moriah College president Stephen Jankelowitz said, “Graham’s passion for Jewish education and Moriah College never waned. He was a proud Moriah parent with both his sons graduating from the college, and more recently, a proud Moriah grandparent.
“In our 80th year, when we celebrate the individuals who have been responsible for shaping our school, Graham’s name is listed prominently for his dedicated service. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come. On behalf of the Moriah family, we wish Graham’s family long life. May his memory be a blessing.”
Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel described Einfeld as “an amazing person who was so committed to community”, while Maccabi NSW president Rodney Rosmarin said he was “a real mensch” who was a committed member of Maccabi and the broader Jewish community.
“Graham will be sorely missed by the community and on behalf of Maccabi NSW, we wish his family a long life,” Rosmarin said.
Einfeld is survived by his partner Yvonne, sons and daughters-in-law Greg and Kathy, Benjy and Lauren, as well as his brother and sister-in-law Max and Elizabeth, and grandchildren Mia, Zara, Jonah and Jordy.
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