The tragic passing of Edmond Safra sent shock waves all around the world. Many representatives of our community attended his funeral in Geneva. Leaders included Joe Cayre, Stanley Cayre, Jack R. Avital, Jacob Kassin, Sam Domb, Jack Dushey and Miro and Nora Sutton.
In Brooklyn, family, friends and business associates paid tribute to this giant of a man in memorial services, which were held at Shaare Zion Congregation and in Magen David Yeshivah Elementary and High School.
To the general public Edmond Safra was a man wealthier than anyone’s wildest dreams. His business success in the banking world was as well known as his philanthropy. Members of our community in Brooklyn and New Jersey have all been touched by his charitable deeds as so many of our organizations, including shuls, the SCC, Bikur Holim, and yeshivahs bear his name.
Mr. Joe Cayre had a close relationship with Mr. Safra and made a moving speech in his memory. Other speeches were made by Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin, Rabbi Weinberg from Geneva, Senator Charles Schumer, Carlos Alberto Rivera, a good friend from the Bank of Brazil, Marcos Sultan, Nathan Hasoon, Miro Sutton and a letter from Prime Minister Ehud Barak was read by an envoy.
At the memorial services were Moise and Joseph Safra, brothers of Edmond, and their families. Lily Safra who apologized for being unable to attend spoke through a live audio broadcast. In addition to her own comments she read a letter that was written to Edmond by one of their granddaughters after his death. Joseph Safra who was overcome by emotion spoke briefly. He told the audience, “I pledge to continue the work of my dear brother Edmond and I share his enormous love for the Sephardic community and I intend to follow his traditions.”
The following are some of the important thoughts expressed at the memorial services: “My husband regarded the Sephardic community in New York as his extended family” —Lily Safra
“It is befitting and true to say that Mr. Edmond Safra, in the past, the present as well as into the infinite future is doing tzedkah at all times” —Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin.
“The blood and sweat of Mr. Edmond Safra is in Magen David. He will live on here forever” —Rabbi Shimon Alouf.
“The name Safra is a synonym for the word charity” —Rabbi Weinberg from Geneva.
“Because of his outstanding success he gave dignity to the Sephardim that was always denied to us, until our Edmond came along.” —Mr. Joe Cayre.
The passing of Edmond Safra left an indelible impression on our community. Together we grieved and cried at our precious loss. Our community came together in a show of support for a man that defined what it means to be Sephardic. It is by his example that we must now continue.
