Exclusive:Community memorial to be unveiled by Romford MP in honour of much loved Romford Rabbi Lee.

‘This memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of his compassion, his devotion to his Faith, and the lasting impact he had on the lives of so many’-Andrew Rosindell MP.

Following the death of Rabbi Lee Sunderland in May this year, the local community appealed to the council for a special memorial to be placed in Romford dedicated to the much loved and respected Rabbi Lee.

Rabbi Lee sadly passed away earlier in the year following series of long standing health complications and his passing left not only the Jewish community, but so many across Havering truly saddened.

He was a huge part of Havering’s community, present at most events held across the borough and strongly supporting his local community in all areas. He championed peace and gathered communities together where they had once been divided. He worked with all Faith Members and was a very active participant of Havering’s InterFaith Forum. He supported many and cared for most regardless of their Faiths.

He was once invited to an event in Harold Hill to support our local youths. The event was on the religious day of the Sabbath, which meant that Rabbi Lee could not use any transport to reach Harold Hill and had happily volunteered to walk from Romford all the way to Harold Hill on a summer’s day with temperatures reaching over 30c. That was how dedicated he was to all his community.

He was a man who cared for all and his legacy of bringing peace and light to all he met will never be forgotten.

The memorial has been championed by Andrew Rosindell the Member of Parliament for Romford, Romford Councillor David Taylor and all of the wider community whose lives Rabbi Lee have touched.

The area where the memorial will be placed in Romford has not yet been decided by Havering Council.

David Sunderland, brother of Rabbi Lee told the Havering Daily:

“It is fantastic to see just how many lives Lee touched across the whole community. We are very proud of him and this memorial will be a legacy to his life and work that will live on in Romford.”

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has been chosen by the family to unveil the plaque in October, he told the Havering Daily:

“It would be an immense honour to unveil a memorial in recognition of Rabbi Lee Sunderland, a man whose impact on Romford and its Jewish community will never be forgotten. Rabbi Sunderland was more than a religious leader; he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light to so many. His selfless dedication to fostering unity and understanding transcended faith, reaching every corner of our community.

Rabbi Sunderland’s contributions to Romford were invaluable. As Member of Parliament, I have frequently visited and supported the Romford District Synagogue in the work that they do for our community, and there was no greater champion than Rabbi Lee. His unwavering support and friendship during my time as MP were priceless, and I am deeply grateful for the advice and guidance he provided me over the years. This memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of his compassion, his devotion to his faith, and the lasting impact he had on the lives of so many. Rabbi Sunderland’s spirit will continue to live on through the people he touched, and his memory will remain an eternal source of inspiration for generations to come.”

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