The Larnaca Synagogue, located in the seaside resort town of Larnaca, Cyprus was inaugurated on September 12, 2005. It is the island's first and only synagogue. Until its opening, Cyprus was the only nation in the European Union without a synagogue."This is a historic event for Cyprus," Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger told a 100-strong crowd at the inauguration ceremony. "We are very happy Cyprus is open to all religions." "Cyprus is a state where all religions are tolerated and we welcome the Jewish synagogue," Cypriot Education Minister Pefkios Georgiades said.The ceremony included the inauguration of a Torah scroll and the laying of the cornerstone for a mikveh. The community has also an own cemetery.