Over 270 guests gathered at the Nobu Hotel Portman Square on Monday 20th November 2023 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Youth Aliyah Child Rescue and to mark 70 years of the British Jewish community enabling the establishment of Yemin Orde Youth Village.
Originally planned to be a joyous celebration of 90 years of helping children from across the world to overcome challenging pasts and become integral members of Israeli society, the evening became a much-needed opportunity for people to come together in support of Israel. The sense of community was palpable as the Chief Rabbi shared the moving prayer that he wrote for Israel, and guests joined him in singing Hatikvah.
The Rt Hon Grant Shapps was also in attendance. As the most senior Jew in our government, he spoke with passion and clarity about Israel’s right to defend herself, and against the increase in antisemitism in Britain. He concluded by encouraging us all to spend less time on social media and more time continuing with our lives and not allowing terrorists to terrorise us.
Col Richard Kemp had planned to attend in person, having visited Yemin Orde Youth Village last week, but his work connected to the current conflict prevented him from leaving Israel. Instead, he kindly joined the event by Zoom and was able to share his recent experiences of the Lebanese and Gazan borders.
Susan Weijel, Deputy Director of Yemin Orde Youth Village and the Village Way, flew in from Israel to tell us about the impact of the war with Hamas on students, graduates and staff.
The evening was a resounding success by any measure, with over £550,000 raised, as well as a commitment to a £250,000 project, to support Israel’s most vulnerable children during the current war and beyond.
Please scroll down to see photos, appeal videos, and videos of our three speakers.
