The first Jewish museum in Singapore was opened on 2 December, in the presence of Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.
The Jews of Singapore Museum, which traces the 200-year history of the Jews in the city-state, is located on the on the first floor of the the Jacob Ballas Centre next to the Maghain Aboth Synagogue.
The museum tells the story of several key figures in Singapore’s Jewish history, such as David Marshall, chief minister of pre-independent Singapore from 1955 to 1956, and Jacob Ballas, chairman of the Malaysia and Singapore Stock Exchange from 1964 to 1967.
Other notable names include former Supreme Court judge Joseph Grimberg, pioneering surgeon Yahya Cohen and Sir Manasseh Meyer, a prominent businessman whose name adorns one of the buildings at the National University of Singapore’s Bukit Timah campus.
“They are a reminder that greatness sometimes comes in small numbers,” said Mr Nash Benjamin, president of the Jewish Welfare Board of Singapore, which counts around 300 members.
“Singapore’s Jewish community is the oldest continuing Jewish community in South-east Asia, which has unfortunately witnessed the disappearance of various Jewish communities, leaving behind memories of what was,” he added.
“In all this Singapore is a singular exception. We can never take this for granted.”
The museum was first conceptualised about three years ago and was planned to be launched with the Singapore Bicentennial in 2019, but has been delayed until now.
Mr Benjamin said the community had felt that a museum for the community that is open to all Singaporeans has been long overdue.
Mr. K. Shanmugam, who months before had stood in front of the synagogue in solidarity with the Jewish community after a planned attack on those leaving the synagogue was foiled, was guest of honour at the launch.
“If you look at the roads – Frankel Estate, Meyer Road… Jews have made a tremendous contribution. They’ve added to the richness of our history and our society today, and I’m very glad that this museum showcases the history for future generations,” he told reporters.
He said in his speech to a congregation gathered for the event: “As Minister for Home Affairs, I have said more than once to you: The safety and security of all in Singapore, including the Jewish community, is a key priority. The Jewish community is not just a part of Singapore but it also thrives in Singapore.”
“We are very grateful that we live in a pluralistic society like Singapore where there is no antisemitism. We welcome anyone to come visit,” Mr. Benjamin concluded.
