What stories could these walls tell? The Southern Sydney Synagogue stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community in the heart of Allawah.
Let’s step back in time. The story of the Southern Sydney Synagogue begins not here, but with the Illawarra Hebrew Congregation. Founded in 1943 by Nathan Haneman, a Lithuanian Jew who arrived in Australia in 1928. He sought to unite the local Jewish community and promote Jewish education. Initially, it was known as the Illawarra Hebrew Association in the early 1930s.
Imagine Holocaust survivors finding solace here. They brought ritual objects salvaged from destroyed synagogues, a tangible link to a shattered past. In 1954, the growing congregation purchased a center on Andover Street in Carlton. By 1960, the congregation joined eleven other Sydney synagogues to form the Federation of Orthodox Synagogues in New South Wales. That same year, they bought the former RSL building in Allawah.
In 1966, the congregation formally registered as a non-profit. It changed its name to the Illawarra Synagogue. Expansion continued in 1977 with the purchase of the former Mormon Church of Allawah. Then in 1998, a new chapter began. The name changed again to the Southern Sydney Synagogue.
Mergers shaped this community. In 1982, the South Coast Hebrew Congregation from Wollongong joined. The synagogue became known as the Illawarra, South Coast and District Synagogue. Following the destruction of the Bankstown Synagogue in 1991, its congregation also merged here.
The Southern Sydney Synagogue, a place of worship, has unfortunately faced adversity. It has been a target of antisemitic attacks. Firebombing, vandalism, and arson have scarred its history.
In March 1991, arsonists firebombed the synagogue. The attack forced a three-month closure for repairs costing over $200,000. Services were held in a temporary venue. In August 1993, petrol bombs damaged the exterior wall. Further vandalism occurred in 1995 and 2000. An attempted firebombing occurred in May 2001. In April 2002, vandals daubed “Free Palestine” on the walls. An arson attack in 2003 caused smoke and flame damage. In January 2025, swastikas and pro-Palestinian slogans were spray-painted on the walls. The words “Allah Hu Akbar” were also partly obscured on the walls.
Despite these challenges, the Southern Sydney Synagogue stands firm. It is a beacon of faith for Southern Sydney, Illawarra and beyond. It remains a warm and welcoming community for all. The Southern Sydney Synagogue is an amalgamation of Illawarra and Bankstown Synagogues. It continues to serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of its congregation.