PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — An iconic Providence temple, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been donated after sitting vacant for nearly 20 years.
Temple Beth-El, located on Broad Street, was gifted by businesswoman and entrepreneur Carolyn Rafaelian to the Center for Southeast Asians during a ceremony Thursday morning. The property has remained vacant since its official closure in 2006.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial for all communities to come together and work on a united front for progress,” said Channavy Chhay, executive director of the Center for Southeast Asians. “Whether we are immigrants, refugees or lifelong Rhode Islanders, our collective future depends on our ability to collaborate across differences.”
The Center for Southeast Asians is launching a $16 million campaign to fund the restoration and renovation of the synagogue into a modern community center for Greater Providence.
“We are celebrating the preservation of this landmark and more importantly the transformation of this place into a place of community and opportunity,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.