Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, has made his inaugural visit to Cyprus, marking a significant historical milestone.
The invitation extended by Chief Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin of Cyprus initiated this landmark visit.
During his stay, Rabbi Mirvis was given a comprehensive tour of the Jewish Community of Cyprus’ establishments. His itinerary commenced with a visit to the Jewish school in Larnaca, where students had prepared a special presentation in honour of the esteemed Rabbi. Subsequently, he toured the Jewish Museum of Cyprus before participating in a formal welcoming ceremony alongside government dignitaries, representatives, and His Excellency, Ambassador Oren Anolik of Israel, who warmly received the Rabbi to Cyprus.
As part of the visit, Chief Rabbi Mirvis, in collaboration with the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, laid the foundation stone at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the forthcoming King David School building. In the afternoon, Chief Rabbi Mirvis delivered an address to the community at the grand synagogue, followed by a Rabbinical Conference gathering Rabbis from across Cyprus to deliberate on various Halachic matters.
The visit culminated with both Chief Rabbis attending an event commemorating 75 years since the closure of detention camps in Cyprus, graced by numerous government officials and representatives. Post-event, the Rabbis engaged in discussions with the President Nikos Christodoulides, the Speaker of the House, Ms Annita Demetriou and other governmental figures. Chief Rabbi Mirvis articulated the community’s imperative needs, including access to Kosher Shechita (Slaughter), marriage arrangements, and autopsy procedures, and underscored the importance of fortifying the office and institutions of the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus.
This visit forms part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering the rapidly expanding Jewish community in Cyprus, with coordination overseen by the Chief Rabbinate of Cyprus.
