(e)
(E)
5
Arguments presented
Synagogue is a sacred building which cannot be destroyed.
The majority of the Jewish people in Hong Kong, who are
are the real beneficiaries of the Trust, objected.
Facts and observations
This is a matter of Jewish law. A counter-
argument has been advanced that as a people of the Book, the buildings are not sacrosanct. Jewish congregations have rennovated or changed their synagogues to meet with changing needs. Reconstruction will enable much of re-usable artifacts and items to be preserved, thus pre- serving a symbol of the historical significance of the Synagogue and the community.
In UK,
it is permissible for listed religious buildings to be reconstructed in a similar way as that proposed.
AG has advised that there are no basis for reversing the title of the Trust deed which is vested in the Trustees. The opposition of "Save Our Synagogue" committee has failed to demonstrate its representativeness of the majority view of the Jewish community.