“Five and a half years ago, the restoration of the Etch Hayyim Synagogue seemed like a dream… Today it is a reality, with which we honor our past, celebrate the unity, cooperation and faith that brought this result, and make a promise for the future – a future where our values will continue to be passed on to future generations.
"Etz Hayyim Synagogue is not just a building. It is the heart of our Community. And today it stands tall again, like a tree of life – rooted in the past, turned towards the light." With these words ο President of the Israeli Community of Larissa Moses Manoah He began his speech by welcoming the inauguration of the reconstructed synagogue.
The ceremony, which was dominated by emotion, as "a historic building, a place of faith, memory and tradition opened its gates again", took place on 15.6.2025, in the presence of representatives of the Greek Government, the German state, representatives of KISE and the Israeli Communities from all over Greece and abroad, local authorities and numerous members of the Israeli Community of Larissa."Today," emphasized Mr. Manoah, "is a special moment in the modern history of the Israeli Community of Larissa, as we emotionally rededicate the "Etz Hayim" Synagogue to the worship of God, to the culture of the place and to the history of Greek Judaism," underlining that "our Synagogue has stood proud for over 150 years, a symbol of the centuries-old presence of the Jewish Community in Larissa."
The event, which was coordinated by the director of the Community Mrs. Alina Moses, began with the cutting of the ribbon, to be followed by the religious part, as well as his speech Rabbi of Larissa, Elias Shabethai, to then hear a Jewish song about Larissa.
Mr. Manouach thanked everyone who contributed to the implementation of the reconstruction project that lasted five and a half years, to emphasize that "the great benefactor of the project was undoubtedly the Region of Thessaly. Without its support, we would still be among the ruins. A thank you goes to the former regional governor, Kostas Agorastos, who, after many efforts, managed to sign a programmatic agreement, through the Ministry of Culture, for the restoration of our synagogue.
A big thank you goes to the current regional governor, Dimitris Kouretas, who, with his particular sensitivity to cultural issues, has made the completion of this project, which he inaugurated, one of the priorities of his term. I would also like to thank the people of the regional services, who stood by us at every step, with personal interest.
The second major benefactor of the project is the state of Germany. Through the “German-Hellenic Fund for the Future” Program, they were the ones who provided the first funding, with which the project began, but also the last, with which it was completed! Our cooperation throughout this process with the Consulate General of Germany in Thessaloniki, both with the diplomats and with its staff, has been impeccable and has created relations of mutual friendship and appreciation.
The Central Israelite Council and all the Greek Jewish Communities stood by us from the very beginning, exhausting their financial resources, with the conviction that such an undertaking belongs to all of Judaism. We thank them very much for their fraternal solidarity. The same solidarity was also shown by several Jewish Organizations abroad."
Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki Speaking of a particularly moving moment, he noted the long religious tradition of the Larissa Jews, emphasized that the historic Synagogue of Larissa did not succumb, but was restored, also noting religious freedom and that Larissa embodies the spirit of cooperation.
This was followed by the awarding of plaques to the ten major benefactors. The Governor of Thessaly, Dim. Kouretas, receiving the plaque, delivered a speech, noting, among other things, that "the preservation of the history and heritage of the Israeli Community of Larissa is an important chapter for understanding the multidimensional character of the local society. The Israeli Community deserves congratulations for its intense social and charitable activity, its cultural contribution, as the traditions, customs and religious events of the community enriched the cultural mosaic of Larissa and cultivated a spirit of mutual understanding and coexistence.
The project could not have been completed without the funding of the Region, which had to repay yet another promissory note in history, but our debt to memory will always be unpaid."
He also underlined that "Thessaly has a long history that is multicultural, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, a history that respects religious tolerance. Thessaly is historically a place of coexistence and mutual respect, a proud place that does not forget its past, a place for natives and refugees, a place for people of every religion. Deep respect for these principles is the axis that leads us to the future. They are fundamental principles on which our Democracy is built and which constitute the most effective shield against the nightmares of intolerance and racism."
The president of KISE and the Israeli Community of Thessaloniki, David Saltiel He emphasized that the restoration is not a technical project, but the foundation for the future so that a Jewish community can continue to exist in Larissa.
D. Saltiel congratulated the administration and the Jews of Larissa, saying characteristically, "For almost six years, the administrations of the Community have been called upon to face countless challenges and to surpass themselves in strength and ingenuity in order to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted continuation of Jewish religious life. With the kind cooperation of all the Jews of Larissa, all the holidays were celebrated, all the ceremonies were performed. ALL... without discounts, without deprivation... waiting with patience and faith for today's day. Warm congratulations are deserved to all of you. The result justifies you.
And today's ceremony brings tears of joy and shivers of emotion to all of us.
I am certain that the Etz Hayim Synagogue, the “Tree of Life” of the Jews of Larissa, will remain a living beacon of Judaism in Greece – a place open, warm, full of devotion, melodies of prayer and deep emotions.”
The contribution of Jewish organizations abroad was also highlighted on the occasion of the awarding of Aaron Venusiou, who currently lives in Chicago, having lived in Larissa for many years. Finally, the German state, the Greek Orthodox Church of Rhodes, the Ladies' Association of the Greek Orthodox Church of Larissa and the Greek Orthodox Church of Volos were also honored, to be followed by greetings delivered by the Secretary General of Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education, G. Kalantzis, the Mayor of Larissa, the Late Mamamos, and the Metropolitan of Larissa, the Rev. Ieronymos, with the event closing melodiously by the choir of the Greek Orthodox Church of Thessaloniki.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development Chrys. Kellas, the ND Larissa MPs Chrys. Kapetanos and Max. Harakopoulos, the Secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly Kon. Tzanakoulis, the Regional Director of Education Vasiliki Ziaka, the Deputy Governor Maria Galliou, the President of the Larissa Municipal Council Garifalia Karystianou, the Deputy Mayor of Culture Thom. Retsianis, the President of the Larissa Bar Association Tr. Tsatsaros, the former Regional Governor Kon. Agorastos, the CEO of "E" G. Michalopoulos, as well as representatives of Larissa bodies.
SOURCE: "ELEFTHERIA" of Larissa, 16.6.2025
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