Robert Halfon MP joined politicians from all parties at the Parliamentary launch of Mitzvah Day.
Around 20 Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs and Peers attended the special event in the House of Commons organised by Mitzvah Day along with the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Jews.
Together they helped to pack hygiene kits for the charity Comfort Cases UK, which provides backpacks filled with personal care items for young people entering the foster care system.
Others in attendance included the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Robert Courts, Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green, Theresa Villiers, Kim Leadbeater, Alex Sobel, Lord Dholakia, Mark Fletcher, Christian Wakeford, Chris Elmore, Saqib Bhatti, John Howell and Fleur Anderson, Chair of the APPG on Charities and Volunteering.
Mr Halfon, who represents Harlow, said: “What could be more important than Mitzvah Day? And Comfort Cases is such a wonderful charity that does what it says on the tin – helping foster children make sure they have the belongings they need and something to keep. I am really proud that our Jewish and faith communities are supporting such a brilliant charity.”
The launch event marked the start of the month leading up to Mitzvah Day (Sunday 21 November), the UK’s biggest faith-based day of social action.
The Parliamentarians were assisted by Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks OBE and Chief Executive Georgina Bye, Board of Deputies Vice President Amanda Bowman and members of the Comfort Cases UK team.
Comfort Cases UK CEO Sarah Laster added: “Meeting MPs from such varied constituencies today, thanks to the Board of Deputies and Mitzvah Day, will help spread the word of our work and ultimately reach more children throughout the country.
“The voluntary nature of Comfort Cases UK epitomises the theme of bringing communities together so we can share our mission of bringing hope and dignity to children entering foster care.”
The event was held under Mitzvah Day’s theme for 2021 – ‘This Mitzvah Day, Together’ – reuniting people after more than 20 months of restrictions and isolation.
Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks paid tribute to Southend MP Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, who would regularly attend the charity’s launches and events – including this annual one in Parliament.
She said: “It was wonderful to be back in the heart of Government this year to personally engage with MPs and Peers.
“However, James Brokenshire and Sir David Amess, both staunch and valued supporters of community-based initiatives and of Mitzvah Day, were sorely missed.”
