In Luke 7, why did the Jewish elders say the centurion deserved Jesus' help?

Answer: He had built their synagogue

The elders said, "He loves our nation and has built our synagogue."

“When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant. They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this, for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.””— Luke 7:3-5 (BSB)