Two well-attended fundraising events have been held at Southend and District Reform Synagogue in aid of Israeli charities.
The first was an afternoon tea and talk, which raised £672 for Magen David Adom – Israel’s National Blood and Medical Emergency Service.
The speaker was Angela Cohen (pictured), the mother of TV star Rob Rinder. She opened by telling of her upbringing and life before speaking movingly of her father, the Holocaust and his experiences as a Windermere boy.
This was followed by a question and answer session, during which she also spoke of her son Rob and his charity and television work.
The community’s Mike Royston said: “Angela was a wonderfully warm and friendly guest who everyone wanted to meet. We were delighted to support MDA, which helps to save the lives of all of Israel’s citizens regardless of religion.”
The synagogue also held a charity challah bake, raising £200 for ZAKA, Israel’s leading non-governmental search and rescue organisation.
ZAKA volunteers were amongst the first responders after the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October and their selfless actions saved numerous lives and brought dignity to many of the dead.
Linda, Jeff, Sam and Elisheva Klein – who helped to organise the event – said: “Much has been done to raise funds for Israel and we’re so proud that our challah bake went so well.
“At times like these, when so many of us are impacted by events in Israel, coming together as a community provides the strength we all need.”
- Top photo by Terry Mendoza, second photo by Ashley Jay Brent.
