By NICHOLAS STAVROULAKIS
ETZ HAYYIM DIRECTOR
(...)We have tried at Etz Hayyim to be a small presence in the midst of what is at times almost aggressive ignorance. We have done this to such a degree that our doors are open from early in the morning until late in the day so that the Synagogue assumes its role as a place of prayer, recollection and reconciliation. In many ways we have been successful through this quiet presence – perhaps our ‘silent presence’ wears not too well on some and is even a source of annoyance to others. Often I have pointed out that we are perhaps the only synagogue of significance in Greece, possibly Europe, where there is little if any overt sign of protective security. Hand-bags are not checked, ID cards and passports are not examined, and one is not obliged to sign in. This character of the Synagogue must not change and the doors must remain open – or we have given in to the ignorance that has perpetrated this desecration. Our awareness of what ignorance can do to us will certainly determine how certain repairs are to be made – but at the same time we must be cautious about allowing ignorance to affect or determine the nature of our presence. We will have a heavy burden of funding the necessary renovations and we hope that you as either old friends or new ones will assist us.Any donations will be deeply appreciated and, of course, welcome.
ALPHA BANK (Hania, Crete)Account name: Friends of Etz HayyimAccount # 776-002101-087154IBAN: GR74 0140 6600 7760 0210 1087 154Nicholas Hannan-Stavroulakis / Director Etz Hayyim Synagogue/ HaniaIn the USA, tax-deductible charitable contribution will also be received by the International Survey of Jewish Monuments (ISJM).
Checks can be sent to ISJM, P.O. Box 210, 118 Julian Place, Syracuse, NY 13210. Write "Hania" on the memo line. 100% of all funds will be transferred for use by Etz Hayyim.
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