It has been 9 months since you went to Our Father in Heaven But you are always in my thoughts. Here we are today, 19 March 2023 celebrating Mother’s Day with all your spiritual children and friends around the World, sharing love. You are a Blessing in my life. Well, definitely we have to use our best china ware for our tea and cakes or coffee and cakes, the Royal Albert, of course. Thank you Marina for helping us to share and love… Read the rest
From the first time I came to Beth Shalom to speak to school students, I was so impressed by your depth of feeling and understanding, demonstrated in the way in which you introduced survivors, such as me, to the students. You conveyed to them what it means to me to recall the painful experiences I suffered in the camps and during the occupation of France. Your ability to relate to these emotions has always moved me deeply. Thank you for always thinking of me on special occasions and at critical times, particularly when I was unwell.… Read the rest
Marina – The Heart of Beth Shalom. This is what you are to us and to your wonderful family, as well as to your innumerable friends.… Read the rest
Dearest Marina … your ability to warm up people, to address them when they need it most, to show them your understanding and compassion is just unique. Beth Shalom without you would be a different place. For me you are the role model of a human being and mother. I am very happy that I have met you, your sons and your whole wonderful family. It helps me to cope with every day life.… Read the rest
Dearest Marina … I feel lost for words to summarise your invaluable contribution and the important part you have granted to future generations by your guidance, by your strength of character, generosity of spirit and your example of what the morality of religion should mean to people of all faiths. Your love, your training in education, your instinctive understanding and insight of human nature have inspired the vision of your sons to create the special significance of Beth Shalom, not just for the survivors of the Shoah but for all humanity….… Read the rest
My love of coming to Beth Shalom is almost like coming to heaven, and it is largely due to you, Marina; to be greeted with a big, warm welcoming smile and a bear hug is very special…. often my friends who have come with me agree. They are often moved to tears.… Read the rest
In a world full of strife, conflict, indifference and selfishness, Marina stands out like a beacon casting her light in places shunned by lesser mortals. Most people feel suspicion when they encounter pure goodness. They are unused to it and initially do not know how to react. However, to be touched and encompassed by Marina’s love is such a privilege; it warms all who come in contact with her. Those who approach treading carefully remain in awe to love her in return. Her tireless efforts on behalf of humanity have earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her.… Read the rest
In a world full of strife, conflict, indifference and selfishness, Marina stands out like a beacon casting her light in places shunned by lesser mortals. Most people feel suspicion when they encounter pure goodness. They are unused to it and initially do not know how to react. However, to be touched and encompassed by Marina’s love is such a privilege; it warms all who come in contact with her. Those who approach treading carefully remain in awe to love her in return. Her tireless efforts on behalf of humanity have earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her.… Read the rest
The most important aspects of Beth Shalom’s many achievements are the infinite and continuous love and affection combined with real caring which Marina truly exudes. Beth Shalom has become my second home, my church, my synagogue, my place for prayers and a haven in this troubled world.… Read the rest
What can we say in so few words that will encompass the huge humanitarian contribution Marina Smith has made? That loveable, energetic lady from provincial Nottinghamshire has touched the lives of so many people nationally and internationally. She has helped and encouraged her sons to create centres of teaching, tolerance, understanding, peace and humanity. Marina has shown dedication and deep understanding of the need to combat man’s inhumanity worldwide. Above all, she has given love and understanding to so many people who had lost their faith and trust in their fellow humans.… Read the rest
Our first impression will always be how you came towards us with outstretched arms, ready to embrace us, your smiling face radiating love and friendship. Straight away we felt that we had come to a unique place. The feeling of empathy and affection never changed; we took you and your family to our hearts…. You are an inspiration to us all.… Read the rest
When I think Marina, I think “Mother”. Marina has such a huge capacity for empathy, sympathy and just love. And there is enough not just for her immediate family, but somehow for all humanity. It is her thoughtfulness which never fails to amaze me. Some years ago we had serious concerns about the health of my daughter-in-law. Whenever we meet, Marina will ask after Lisa’s health – by name! Considering the incredibly busy life she leads, I find this quite remarkable and somehow typical of the sort of remarkable human being Marina is.… Read the rest