Think Again - In tribute of Giora Ungar Z”L

We were saddened to hear of the passing of the late Giora Ungar, he was 83 years of age. I of course officiated at his funeral this afternoon he was buried on Rosh Chodes Nissan the month of Passover. It was only yesterday on his hospital bed before he had a massive heart attack that he was singing the Rosh Chodesh songs of Hallel. It was as if he knew that he would be buried on Rosh Chodesh with the Rosh Chodesh Hallel song. Giora was part of our core minyan over many years, he was part of that group of men who constitute the first ten men to arrive for the shabbat morning services. He was with us for many years. I don’t know how many countless No 10”s we have lost in our shule, but Giora was one of them. It is rewarding and gratifying to be the tenth person to the shule. The tenth person becomes our Elijah the prophet for that week. They win a small shot bottle of Jameson.

Giora attended our shule for many years. He knew the ways of a shule. He knew the liturgy customs and tunes. He could lead much of the service himself. I never found out where he had learnt that skill. Not every Israeli can lead a service. Nevertheless, Giora was proficient in much of the service and more importantly he was proficient in the reading of the Haftorah. Synagogue custom is to read after the weekly parsha of the week from the five books of Moses is to read an additional passage from the 19 Books of the prophets called the Haftorah. At that synagogue moment - if you close your eyes you will be able to see the prophets Issiah, Jeremiah Ezra Nehemiah King David and Solomon, Samuel and Deborah as they fly in on the wings of an eagle with fire and brimstone, awe and wonder with words of song and praise instilling courage and faith. Giora was one of those who we call the prophet of the Day. Giora would alight the bimah and with his melodic voice he would sing the Haftorah. We would close our eyes and imagine the real Prophet as they fly in on a magic carpet and enter the sanctuary.

Giora was a man of peace a shining countenance of calm and joy . He had a great big smile and glowing eyes He wanted for nothing and needed nothing. He was whom we call “Someach bechelko - satisfied with his lot”. He was a giving charitable kind and happy person. He greeted everyone with sparkling eyes and broad smile, he brought a light and tranquillity all around him. To have known Giora was to have been touched by “chen cvhesed vrachamim - goodness kindness and graciousness.”

Giora was born in Sde Ilan a moshav in the Galilee. He was a mechanic and served in the IDF in the tank corps. He fought in the six day war and in the Yom Kippur war. Giora on account of his enlistment was a hero. He fought for the State of Israel, the people of Israel for freedom, justice and democracy. He fought that the Jewish people should have one little, small country to be a safe haven of their own. He fought for the identity and culture of Jews. I always thought that Australia would for ever be a safe home for Jews. I now after Bondi Beach realise that, that may not be true. I can’t promise or guess how long it will be safe to live as free Jews in an Australia. It is why I love the Blue and White. It is why I so admire members of the IDF who stand up for Jews whether in Israel or in the Diaspora. I can only admire the sacrifice and service that Giora gave to his people. I call him a true hero amongst the House of Israel.

Giora came to Australia to be with his family in 1987. He became an electrician and handyman often not charging his clients if he felt that they needed more than he did. He was a giving altruistic generous soul. He gave both materially and spiritually.

Giora had four children. We wish long life to Assi and Sivan in Israel, Avishai, Tammy, Bat-Ami, Andrew, Yehudit and Paul all who live here in Sydney. Giora had 11 grandchildren.

Those who knew Giora were touched by something wholesome gentle, kind gracious complete heartwarming and generous. Long Live Giora. May his memory be a blessing.

Let us say Amen.