The Burquest Jewish Community Association and Congregation Sha’arei Mizrah hosted the Official Dedication of their new home, the Burquest Jewish Community Centre, on October 6, 2002. This is the first Jewish Community Centre outside of Vancouver to serve the more than 2500 Jews living in the Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley, New Westminster, and Burnaby areas. This landmark event marks the culmination of 26 years of fundraising, hard work, and dedication to build a permanent home for our community.

 Burquest began meeting in members’ homes during the 1970’s, and rented space in the 1980’s and 90’s.  A major fundraising campaign in the late 1990’s resulted in the purchase of the building in June 2001.

 The building, located just south of the Coquitlam Centre, at 2860 Dewdney Trunk Road, underwent major renovations to construct an assembly hall, kitchen, three classrooms and an office. The Burquest Jewish Community Association provides religious services, cultural, educational, and social events.

 
President Reesa Devlin welcomes the audience, surrounded by children from the Hebrew School.


Student Aaron Robinson talked about his experiences growing up in the Burquest community.
 

Past President Dov Lank presents St. Laurence Anglican Church minister Rev. Barbara Clay with a plaque commemorating the two communities' relationship over many years. 
 

Vancouver Rabbi Yosef Wosk shared his thoughts about Sha’arei Mizrah's past, present and future.

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