Cultural Centre event marks a new chapter for Jewish life in Western Sydney
More than 120 guests joined the GWSJCC, in conjunction with the Parramatta and District Synagogue, to formally recognise the amalgamation of the Bankstown and Strathfield districts into the Centre — consolidating its place as the unifying home of Jewish cultural and communal life across the region.
Highlights included the unveiling of a painstakingly restored pew from the historic Bankstown Synagogue, together with its original foundation stone and Ten Commandments tablets — powerful symbols of resilience connecting past generations with the future.
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Held on a bright, sunny afternoon, the event brought together attendees in an atmosphere of warmth, pride and celebration. Families, community leaders, interfaith representatives and media were present, including Reverend Carmel Reardon, President of the NSW Ecumenical Council, and Freya Leach of Never Again Is Now (NAIN)/Sky News. In one particularly meaningful moment, four generations of a single family were present together.
Serving as MC, GWSJCC Director Vincent Uno described the occasion as “a truly historic moment for Jewish life in Western Sydney,” emphasising that the Centre is not only a cultural institution, but a place where Jewish identity, spirituality and community converge.
Michael Morris OAM, President of the Parramatta and District Synagogue, spoke about the continuity of Jewish life in Western Sydney and the importance of building on the legacy of Bankstown and Strathfield. Dennis Broit reflected on the stewardship of communal assets, and Max Lewis shared personal reflections grounded in decades of community involvement. Freya Leach addressed the audience on standing against antisemitism and fostering understanding within the broader Australian community.
Rabbi Cohavi concluded the speaking program by emphasising the importance of Jewish learning, spirituality and continuity — a vision anchored by the Daat Library and Learning Centre, the Centre’s cornerstone educational initiative.
The Centre’s evolving Daat Library also incorporates memorial elements commemorating the victims of the October 7 attacks in Israel and the Bondi terror attack. The ceremony concluded with the singing of Advance Australia Fair — a shared expression of identity, belonging and mutual respect.
This event is the latest chapter in a period of remarkable growth: from the dedication of the memorial library in November 2024, to the Chanukah 2025 vigil for the victims of the Bondi attack attended by Alex Hawke MP, Dr Andrew Charlton MP and NSW Upper House member Damian Tudehope, to a February dinner bringing together local and state representatives with community leaders. Together, these milestones tell a clear story: the GWSJCC has gone from strength to strength, evolving into the flagship institution representing Jewish life in the region.