Stamford Hill community leader Joe Lobenstein passes away at 88

A leader of the Orthodox community in Stamford Hill has been hailed “a true model of Kiddush Hashem” [an example to all] after he died on Sunday aged 88.

Joe Lobenstein, a former vice president of the Union of Hebrew Congregation and chairman of its external affairs committee, was involved in local politics – first for the Liberal Democrats and later for the Conservatives.

BD”E: Joe Lobenstein MBE, 88, President of Stamford Hill #Shomrim, has sadly passed away https://t.co/a2t7x5bl8b pic.twitter.com/ccJ8i8xBFY

— Shomrim N.E. London (@ShomrimOfficial) June 28, 2015

He also held a number of senior communal roles, including president of the Adath Israel Synagogue and founding chair of governers of the Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls School.

So sad to hear of the death of Joe Lobenstein MBE Stamford Hill stalwart & pillar of his community @ShomrimOfficial pic.twitter.com/N97S4YD7VJ — Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) June 28, 2015

“I considered him as one of my closest friends,” said Rabbi Avroham Pinter, a community leader.

“Although we had different political outlooks, on issues pertaining to the Jewish community we worked as one.” 

Large crowd attending funeral of late Joe Lobenstein MBE. Fairholt Road #N16 temporarily closed to vehicular traffic pic.twitter.com/Z78QkNrlVv

— Shomrim N.E. London (@ShomrimOfficial) June 28, 2015