Israeli Army Major-General Avi Mizrahi and military chazan Shai Abramson were guests of St John’s Wood Synagogue for a Shabbat service celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary.
The major-general emphasised Israel’s ongoing commitment to the security of its citizens and its determination to work for peace. The chazan took part in the service along with St John’s Wood’s Cantor Moshe Haschel and the Neimah Singers — under the direction of Jonathan Weissbart. Minister Dayan Ivan Binstock praised the efforts of AWIS, which works for the welfare of Israeli soldiers and jointly organised the event.
United Synagogue president Simon Hochhauser was among more than 80 people at the service. “It was a memorable Shabbat,” he told the JC. “The service was an inspiration. It’s a tribute to the St John’s Wood community and its leaders that they are able to attract such remarkable visitors.”