In 1971 six olim couples met in Netanya to discuss a common problem. In those days, American Jews were not made to feel comfortable in the existing synagogues. One does not easily abandon a dream, so the six families met to discuss the situation. They learned that there was a United Synagogue of Israel, which was loosely affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary and that there were already six Conservative synagogues in Israel.

At their next meeting, Rabbi Moshe Cohen of Ashkelon sat with the families as the representative of the United Synagogues. Rabbi Cohen offered his services to help the fledgling congregation. He harnessed the full forces of the Conservative Movement in Israel and promised the loan of a Sefer Torah and an Aron Kodesh, as well as Sidurim, talitot and kipot. At the first public meeting, Rabbi Cohen was the main speaker. Rabbi Michael Graetz served the congregation on a part-time basis.

Until they were organized, the founders had not really had to face the major problem common to Conservative Congregations in Israel. Where could we rent a place to worship? Every hotel and the owners of every hall were contacted without success. Conservative congregations were not welcome.

After a discouragingly large number of refusals, fate smiled upon the homeless congregation and on Hol HaMo'ed Pesah 1971, we held our first Sabbath service, without charge to us, at the Orly Hotel. But this could only be a stop-gap solution.

After several unsuccessful attempts to purchase property, we had a stroke of luck. A Yemenite synagogue was being built in a building on Kikar Ha`atzmaut. But the Yemenites couldn't meet the payments and dropped out. The builders were very grateful when we came along. After much soul-searching about our ability to carry the financial burden, we signed a contract at the beginning of February 1977. By Rosh Hashanah 1977, we held our first services on that site.

The year 1976-77 was a crucial year in our history. That was the year when our members voluntarily accepted the burdens of a full-time Rabbi and the obligation to buy our own quarters. During that year, the congregation grew from 60 families to 135. At the year's end, we were securely installed in our own quarters. We were no longer dependent on the goodwill of a reluctant landlord. We were welded into a strong close-knit family that had just demonstrated that it could achieve great goals. We were firmly based in our own home. Our first permanent synagogue in Kikar Ha`atzmaut was dedicated on October 30, 1977.

For the next 15 years, we grew as a congregation in that building. We became known as a positive force in the community. From the earliest days, many have felt and have stated that this congregation could never grow to become a vital organization. "You are all pensioners and retirees. You will all soon be passing away. Then, who will be left in this congregation". We were blessed for over 20 years with the leadership and inspiration of Rabbi Dr. Ervin Birnbaum. His inspiring sermons attracted very many members, including a sizable number of tourists who now return regularly to "our synagogue" — their home-away-from-home.

In 1986 a most extraordinary couple, Jack and Irene Kwartner, suggested to our President that the congregation build itself a larger sanctuary in a building of its own. Six years after that first conversation, we celebrated the Dedication of the new building. Jack and Irene Kwartner, in their great modesty, would not permit us to inscribe their names on the building. Nevertheless, their names will be permanently inscribed in our hearts and in our minds. The very walls of the building will sing their praises. By building our new edifice, the Kwartners have performed a double mitzvah: They added to the religious development in Israel and to the educational facilities in Netanya.

Outstanding among all our well-wishers and benefactors, Irene and Jack Kwartner have given to a great variety of causes all over the country. They have been instrumental in advancing the cause of science and in improving the quality of life in Israel. They have built a wing at the National Blood Bank adjoining Tel HaShomer Hospital, they have donated many Magen David Adom ambulances, fire engines for the Galilee, the Ophthalmic and the Cardiac departments or the Laniado Hospital in Netanya, and many other charitable institutions count the Kwartners among their benefactors. The building of our synagogue also houses two Kindergarten classes donated by Irene and Jack Kwartner. The list is long but we believe that of all of the places they have built, building our "Shul" give them special pleasure. And it's a special pleasure for us to pray in our beautiful and gracious synagogue.