6,000 people celebrate Jewish life at our Big Family Show and Expo!
Thousands descend on Allianz Park Stadium on Sunday as Nick Ferrari and Rachel Riley host unforgettable day of food, fun and celebration of the community
Some of the biggest names in Jewish life, celebrity hosts, 130 exhibitors and more than 6,000 guests ensured Sunday’s Jewish News Big Family Show and Expo was an unforgettable day for the entire community.
The excitement was tangible from the moment the event began at the Allianz Stadium in Mill Hill until its euphoric conclusion six action-packed hours later.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis got the party stared with his opening remarks, saying the day showed “the Jewish News and British Jewry at its finest”.
He added: “It’s so wonderful to see so much excitement and the sense of thrill and unity, as different parts of the community come together to celebrate”.
Paying tribute to the event’s hosts, broadcaster Nick Ferrari and Countdown presenter Rachel Riley, Mirvis added: “They are two extraordinary people who have been putting their heads above the parapet, to stand up and be counted, and to counter the forces of antisemitism in this country. We’re exceptionally grateful to you for everything you do.”
He also delivered a poignant tribute to the victims of the New Zealand mosque attack, saying: “We show our full solidarity with those who are mourning and Muslims right across the globe.”
Sacks Morasha Primary School choir kicked off the entertainment on the main stage while other performers included the Israeli Dance Institute, singer Yoni Shine, comedian Bennet Arron and live baking with the Challah Mummy.
As well as sampling Reubens’ sandwiches, guests tucked into Jasmine Catering’s schwarma and salad bar, enjoyed sushi from Hadar, begels from Sharon’s bakery, ice cream from Hatov and Halva from Sesame Kingdom.
Of course, there was much more to do at the show than just eating – with young members of the community having fun in the kids and youth zone sponsored by JLGB, with laser quest, mini golf and a dance machine – while the charity’s chief executive Neil Martin wen head-to-head with Rachel Riley in a dance-off.
Attendees also had the opportunity to get creative, featuring on their very own Jewish News front page and meeting the paper’s resident scribbler Paul Solomons, while also having the chance to use a green screen. Dancing with Louise gave out free Zumba sessions and Sacha Magic wowed guests with amazing trick, as guests streamed throughout the day.
Rachel was joined by some of the youngest members of the community, who posed for selfies with TV presenter, who has been thrust into the limelight in recent months for her vocal fight against antisemitism.
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer officially wrapped up the day with his closing comments on the main stage, reflecting on the camaraderie and fun and thanking the newspaper’s readers.
Dr Beverley Jacobson, Chief Executive, Norwood said: “It was fantastic for Norwood to play such a central part in The Big Family Show. It was a hugely successful event and the large crowd there on the day gave us the opportunity to talk to as many people as possible directly about the services we run. It was great for Norwood to be able to tell people about our crisis work with families and the support and advocacy we provide for individuals with learning challenges throughout their lives. The hope is that through this sort of engagement more people who need our services will now be able to access them.”
Savoir Faire, Norwood, Pituach by the Sea, CLC World, Jewish Blind and Disabled, JLGB, TAL (Torah Action Life) and Jasmine Catering were sponsors of the Big Family Show and Expo. Leivi Saltman was the photographer.
See all the best photos from the Big Family Show and Expo on Facebook:
Some of the biggest names in Jewish life, celebrity hosts, 130 exhibitors and more than 6,000 guests ensured Sunday’s…
פורסם על ידי The Jewish News ב- יום שני, 18 במרץ 2019
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