‘My father bought life into the community-his message was clear grab life and make the most that you can’-Memorial unveiled for much loved Romford Rabbi Lee.

On Sunday 27 October, as the sun shone across Romford, a special memorial was unveiled outside the Town Hall to a man who poured his heart into our community, Rabbi Lee Sunderland.

Many residents from all Faiths came to watch the unveiling dedicated to Rabbi Lee who was much loved by all. Lee was a big man, big in spirit, in kindness and in personality. He cared for all. He welcomed all with open arms and he united this community more that anyone has ever done.

The memorial will be a lasting legacy to the incredible work this one man did across our borough.

From members of the Romford synagogue to local politicians, all joined the special event to pay tribute to Rabbi Lee. They all remembered him for the truly incredible person he was and his words that will stay with all of us and live on in our hearts.

No matter what challenges faced the country or even the world itself, Rabbi Lee stepped in to unite the community with peace and love. He loved life and encouraged all of us to make the best out of our lives that we could.

Havering’s Mayor Gerry O’Sullivan began the afternoon with a speech dedicated to Lee. David, Rabbi Lee’s brother spoke about the incredible dedication his brother had to our community and how that was visible by the large amounts of people who attended the memorial. Rabbi Lee’s son Ari gave a moving speech about the lasting impact his father’s speeches had on us all and how they will always be remembered.

Havering’s Council Leader Councillor Ray Morgon spoke of how he had worked frequently with Rabbi Lee as part of Havering’s InterFaith Forum. Michael Levy from Romford Synagogue spoke about just how tailored fit Rabbi Lee was for his community and the community as a whole. Also about how inclusive Lee was as a Rabbi and how he never failed to include all people regardless of their Faith.

Sidra from Havering’s InterFaith Forum read a beautiful poem in honour of Lee and just what a local hero he was.

Friend, Councillor David Taylor spoke of how Lee was a man filled with love and how he shared that love with all. “Rabbi Lee didn’t befriend us because he wanted anything. He did so because he was a man filled with love and that love extended to all he met, no matter whether they were in positions of authority or whether they were abandoned by society. He stood up for the weak and the powerful.

“He was a man who forgave, who saw the individual, and who constantly gave his all for others.”

The Member of Parliament for Romford Andrew Rosindell unveiled the special memorial and told the crowd: “We remember a great man, a man who made a huge impact on this town, our local community and also individually. You couldn’t meet Lee without him making an impact on you. Every time he spoke he inspired us all with his words.. He welcomed us all with open arms. He loved Romford and representing us.

“He spoke from the heart, he didn’t read from a script, but spoke directly from the heart.”

The memorial says ‘And you shall be a light unto the Nation“. Rabbi Lee was a light, a light that shone across Havering and into the hearts of all those that met Lee.

He has left a hole in this community that will never be filled.

But let us remember his last words during his sermon at Remembrance Sunday’ “What use,” he said, “Is a minute silence? We should spend it with a minute of action instead.”

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.