I will miss Giris for many reasons. We were introduced whilst he was in middle of the Islington Square project. He took me through the construction site and what particularly amazed me was his acute attention to detail. There was one beam that had a little item missing and there he was questioning about it. For me, a rabbi far removed from construction, watching the ability to be on top of a massive project yet at the same time pay attention to the smallest detail was inspiring. We spent the last year studying together. There was one point that we would continually debate on, can a person choose an evil path. Giris always maintained that every path brings you to G-d 'the essence'. Alas, for me, I was not on such a level, I maintained that people can choose evil. I'm sharing this not to debate the differences, but to point out how for Giris he genuinely believed that every step and every move that takes place is all part of bringing you closer to the 'one'. For someone that was so deeply involved in the 'material world' yet at the same time never lost the focus and connection to something greater is something that was deeply deeply inspiring. His generosity and charitable kindness to our Chabad House was always done in the most humble way 'I am a servant, thank you for giving me the opportunity'. Never wanting credit or attention for helping others. But what I will miss most of all, is Giris challenging me, always pushing and reminding me to reach deeper. For example, every Friday I send out a short thought or story with some type of moral message. Most people respond with a thank you and Shabbat Shalom. But Giris would get me in trouble time and again, 'you were talking too much about yourself!' he would tell me. Always reminding me that we have to keep striving to get beyond ourselves and remember that everything has a reason and that we are part of a much bigger picture. Giris, I will always remember you. Wishing all the family and friends much love and comfort. Rabbi Mendy Korer Chabad Islington