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Canary Wharf Group plc held an early celebration for the Jewish festival of Purim, inviting people of all ages and from all walks of life to a buffet lunch with live music, held in the East Winter Garden on Tuesday 22 March.
Guests included 70 members of Jewish Care's Stepney Community Centre in Beaumont Grove, who arrived on care buses laid on by CWG and representatives of the East London Orthodox Synagogues Association as well as the Minister for Commercial Affairs at the Israeli Embassy, who mingled with employees of multi-national corporations. Danny Seliger, Associate Director - Administration for Canary Wharf Management Limited, was “delighted” that so many Stepney members were present. “For us, it really is a very big honour, especially seeing so many of you who live in East London. Coming to Canary Wharf, seeing all the state-of-the-art buildings, the skyscrapers, the young executives working, you may have thought 'well they have forgotten us.' The answer is that we have tried to include you whenever we can.” He added: “We like to blend the young and the old and it is a privilege to welcome you all here together with employees working in Canary Wharf.” Rabbi Shaul Robinson also spoke, noting that “in many ways, we have built a Jewish community in Canary Wharf.” The visit was a hit with the elderly day centre members. Rita Moctonian, said the event was “Like back in the old times when you had your own [Jewish] community, which we miss very much. Being with our own people gives you a nice feeling. It was marvellous, a lovely atmosphere. We really appreciated it. God bless us with peace and we are thankful to the wonderful people who invited us.” Philippa Paine, manager of Jewish Care's Stepney Community Centre, said: “It was a treat for the members and a change of scene. Driving around the area it was interesting for them to see how it had changed. It's about feeling invited and included. It was much appreciated.” Clearly enjoying himself, Nat Roos, vice-president of Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue, said: “It is absolutely wonderful what they [CWG] are doing for Jewish people, bringing us all together.” Talking of the event, Avi Goldstein, who works for Morgan Stanley, said; “It's fantastic. I liked the integration of the East London [Jewish] community with the people who work here.” Purim, one of the jolliest festivals in the Jewish calendar is told in the Book of Esther, which is read from a scroll called a Megillah. The festival begins on Thursday evening and falls, this year, on Good Friday. It tells the story of an evil man called Haman who tried to destroy the Jews of the Persian Empire. Customs include eating Hamantaschen, small pastries filled with poppy seeds, sending gifts of food, known as Mishloach Manot and sending gifts to poor people. |
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For further information please contact Julia Denman, Canary Wharf Group Tel: 020 7418 2322, Email: julia.denman@canarywharf.com Sue Levy, Jewish Care Tel: 020 8922 2812 |
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