The founders of the synagogue was the Mosseris, Suareses, Cattauis, Rolos, Adesses, Hararis, Naggars, Cicurels, Curiels, Luzzatos et al. all of whom formed the pillars of Egypt's once powerful Sefardi community and were also behind the development of Egypt's banks, department stores, transport companies, and urban and suburban developments, as well as the Islamic Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Both were beneficiaries of large private collections. Most notable among them was that donated by Sir Simon Rolo who features as No. 18 on the synagogue's marble tablets. It is no coincidence that Egypt's first Modern Art Museum was located in a former Mosseri townhouse abutting the Synagogue's rear, at the corner of Mohammed Farid and 26th of July Streets. Vita "Victor" Mosseri spearheaded the campaign to build the synagogue, Maurice Youssef Cattaui designed it together with his Austrian partner Eduard Matasek (a Roman Catholic).