Great emotion swept through the members of Kibbutz Gvar'am this week when, for the first time ever, they officially opened their synagogue doors. Gvar'am, established in 1942, is situated near Ashkelon in southern Israel.

Speakers at the momentous event included Rabbi Simcha HaCohen Kook, the Chief Rabbi of Rehovot, as well as Rabbi Shlomo Raanan, Founder and Director of Ayelet HaShachar, and Moish Galanti, who spearheaded the new-synagogue project. Members of neighboring kibbutzim Carmia, Zikim and others also shared in the occasion.

Holocaust survivor Mrs Miriam Raanan shared with the many participants her powerful personal life story and miraculous escape from the grips of the Nazi nightmare in Europe. She emphasised the obligation of Jews to make sure to hold on to their Jewish identity. Many in the audience were visibly moved by her words.

Gvar'am is yet another jewel in the crown of the blossoming Kibbutz Movement Jewish Awareness program.