The Jewish Community of Melbourne praised Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris for his efforts to restore and honor the city’s Jewish history at an event held in the parliament of Victoria entitled “Jews of Thessaloniki.”
The event was organized by the Thessaloniki “White Tower” Association in light of the 30th anniversary of the twinning of Melbourne and Thessaloniki, and was attended by Greek Diaspora and Jewish Community representatives, as well as various politicians from all Australian political parties. All speakers mentioned the Jewish community’s history, mentioning the fact that Jewish people who fled to Thessaloniki due to the Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century, helped the city grow after the decline that followed the fall of 1430. Many rich Jewish people worked hard and dominated in Thessaloniki’s commercial life.
Moreover, it was mentioned that the Jewish Community withstood the German occupation, which resulted in the killing of almost 40,000 of its members.
The main speeches were delivered by Eva Dafaranos, spouse of the Greek Ambassador, and Dr. Helen Light, director of the Jewish Museum in Melbourne.
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