Young community stalwart mourned
Tributes have been paid to 23-year-old Daniel Simons who passed away tragically last Friday (January 6).
TRIBUTES have been paid to 23-year-old Daniel Simons who passed away tragically last Friday (January 6).
A stalwart of a number of communal organisations, he was hailed this week as a young man who had a significant impact on both the community of Sydney, where he grew up, and Melbourne, where he moved to four years ago.
Danny Lamm, president of Mizrachi commented, “We were devastated with the tragic passing of Daniel who had ingratiated himself with the Mizrachi community since his arrival four years ago. His loss will be felt by all.”
After graduating from Moriah College, Daniel was involved in several groups including Bnei Akiva Sydney and Melbourne, the Friendship Circle, the Community Security Group (CSG) and the North Caulfield Maccabi Football Club.
Daniel’s Moriah College school co-ordinator Jo Gluckman recalled Daniel as inclusive and inspiring to all those who came across him.
“I remember Daniel well, as a young man of integrity, community-mindedness, and who always considered the needs of others,” Gluckman told The AJN.
“The number of 2011 graduates who attended Daniel’s funeral reflects the strong relationships he formed and maintained through Moriah.”
In Melbourne, Daniel played an active role in the CSG, epitomising what it meant to protect the idea and values of the Jewish community.
CEO of CSG Victoria Ricky Pearl could not speak more highly of Daniel.
“We are all mourning the loss of a brother,” Pearl said.
“He was kind, loving, generous of his time and a talented athlete. He was strong, fit and brave.
“And above all, he was passionate about Jewish life, and the Jewish way of life.”
The young electrician also had an impact on hundreds of lives through his allegiance with Bnei Akiva.
Merakez of Bnei Akiva Sydney in 2016 and close friend Noam Hayman, said Daniel’s legacy and the values he stood for, will stick with him and continue forever.
“Whoever Daniel was with and wherever he was, he brought a sense of safety and security that was almost palpable,” Hayman told The AJN.
“He knew his priorities and what was important in life.”
Good friend and Merakez of Bnei Akiva Melbourne in 2015 Benji Jones said Daniel was the perfect example of a friend and madrich.
“His willingness to give unconditionally will remain one of his greatest legacies, and he will continue to inspire us with his generosity, work ethic and positivity.”
The family said they were extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support and the many tributes being paid, whilst they come to terms with the tragic loss of their beloved son, brother and grandson.
“Daniel deeply impacted the lives of so many and will be remembered forever for being the true inspirational mensch that he was. May his memory always be a blessing,” Daniel’s father Steven said.
“I’d like to personally thank every single member of the Melbourne community who so warmly embraced Daniel into their family and treated him as one of their own children,” he added.
DANIEL SHANDLER
comments