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Last remaining synagogue in Jamaica needs funds
July 3, 2012 | Jewish Tribune
The Lindo brothers with their fellow childhood boy scout friend, reunited in Toronto after 40 years. Back Row from left: Allan Lindo, Cecil Lindo, Victor Lindo, Wilfred Lindo, Richard Lyons and Alfred Lindo. Front Row from left: Trevor Lindo, and Donald Lindo.
Rena Green Tribune Intern
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jewish community may be small – with a mere 250 Jews remaining in Kingston, Jamaica – they are thriving.
As the last synagogue still standing, the Shaare Shalom Synagogue requires all the help it can get.
“[All of the other synagogues] were destroyed by earthquakes or hurricanes,” explained Wilfred Lindo, past member of the Synagogue.
Hoping to raise funds to maintain the synagogue and Jewish life in Jamaica, Lindo set out with the help of his brothers to hold a fundraiser for Shaare Shalom.
“It was a very nice fundraiser. We raised close to $14,000.” said Lindo. With nearly 260 people attending the recent event at Pride of Israel Synagogue in Toronto, the outcome according to Lindo was, “very successful.”
As the Kingston Jewish community dwindles, the Lindo and his brothers watch their childhoods slipping through their fingers. Born and raised in Jamaica, Lindo remembers a time when there “used to be 3,500 [Jews] there.”
Living in Toronto, Lindo grew up in Jamaica and remained there until he was 19.
“I still have lots of relatives down there,” he explained. As the wedding venue for his parents, and all eight bar mitzvahs of the Lindo brothers, the Shaare Shalom Synagogue holds a special place in the family’s hearts.
Attracting more locals than ever, the synagogue is ready to revive itself and look towards the future.
“The fundraiser account is open until July,” said Lindo. “All donations are still welcome.”
Donation checks can be sent to Wilfred Lindo at 127 Elise Terrace, Toronto, M2R 2W9, made out to Shaare Shalom Synagogue Jamaica In Trust.
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