Introducing Phil Lewis

Plans for the Jewish Holocaust Centre (JHC) redevelopment are proceeding. I am honoured to be the Appeal Chairperson, and to be a member of the Project Control Group, together with Paul Kegen, Alan Synman, George Umow and Dean Priester.

My connection to this vibrant museum commenced 12 years ago when my wife Sue, daughter of Holocaust survivors, became a volunteer guide at the Centre. I subsequently attended the March of the Living in 2009 with my daughter, Aimee, where the awareness of the importance of remembering the past to make a difference for the future was highlighted.

I have been involved in property development for over 40 years and have been actively involved in the communal activities of our five children. I was president of the AJAX Junior Football Club for five years and have been a member of various committees at Mount Scopus College, including the committee responsible for the building of the Besen Performing Arts’ Centre. I have also actively assisted in the construction of two Melbourne synagogues and am currently fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The JHC Appeal comes at a critical stage in the life of the Centre, as student and visitor numbers have markedly increased over the last five years and, with the second generation taking over the mantle as guides, we need to present the Centre’s message in a way that respects our founders’ vision and enhances the Centre’s archival and research spaces in the future.