But, five years on, he is leaving the Northern Irish capital much more well-informed.

The 64-year-old, who left his post this week to take charge at Ilford Federation Synagogue, Essex, said: “I lived in Israel for 37 years and whatever I knew about Belfast was from what I saw on the news.

“However, what I found was that the media tends to pick out certain things which distort people’s perspectives. The truth is that life goes on here and that Belfast is an attractive place to live.

“I hope that whoever takes over from me will carry on promoting the possibility of Jewish expansion in Northern Ireland.

“Economically, it is an easy place to live and there are lot of opportunities of employment for Jewish people.”

Rabbi Singer, who succeeded Rabbi Menachem Brackman, estimates that there are around 350 Jews living in the province.

He explained: “One of the things I hope I have achieved is to put Jewish Belfast back on the map, both within the Anglo-Jewish community and in the wider community of Northern Ireland.”

He added: “Taking part in interfaith events in Northern Ireland has been one of my priorities, as well.”

During his time in Belfast, Rabbi Singer, who is married to Judy, also wrote a book about Judaism to help educate the many people who visit Belfast Synagogue.

He was raised in Birmingham, where his father, Ronnie, was the administrator of Singers Hill Synagogue.

Rabbi Singer gained semicha from Yeshivat HaNegev, in Netivot, Israel, and he and his family spent 37 years in the Jewish state.

The father of 10 added: “I will miss the community in Belfast — they are wonderful, warm and welcoming. We have made some good friends.”

“I know that it is a small and ageing community and one of the questions I was asked when I first came to Belfast was what changes did I want to make.

“I didn’t want to make changes, I just wanted to help them with their needs.”

It is believed that Belfast Jewish leaders are in advanced negotiations with Rabbi Singer’s successor.