Defiance, pride and performance at Technion UK’s gala evening

Chants of “shut it down” echoed from across the road as Technion UK marked Israel’s 78th anniversary at the Shaw Theatre in Euston, but inside the evening unfolded with unwavering energy and defiance.

Outside, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in force, met by an equally vocal counter-presence of pro-Israel supporters and Iranian allies. Inside, however, the atmosphere told a very different story, one of pride, celebration and unapologetic connection to Israel.

The evening opened with a vibrant performance from the Bet Zvi singers, a young troupe from the School of Performing Arts in Ramat Gan, who returned later in the show. Their energetic choreography and heartfelt renditions, including Ofra Haza’s Chai, quickly set the tone. Omer Adam’s Tel Aviv proved a raucous, crowd-pleasing highlight, and by the time they launched into Tamid Ohev Oti, the crowd were waving flags and dancing in their seats.

Host Rob Rinder brought both warmth and sharp humour, immediately addressing the protests outside to laughter from the audience. “Next time we should show them how to organise,” he quipped, adding, “and send the money to Israel.” He also thanked the police and CST for ensuring the event could go ahead safely.

Paul Charni, chairman of Technion UK, captured the mood succinctly: “The greatest antidote to anti-Zionism is pride. The fact that we’re here tonight, despite what’s going on outside, is proof of that.”

A message from President Isaac Herzog, delivered from Jerusalem, acknowledged the significance of the gathering and the enduring role of institutions like the Technion in shaping Israel’s future.

Short films throughout the evening charted the Technion’s pivotal role in Israel’s development, from early infrastructure and engineering to breakthroughs in medicine, AI and defence technology. One particularly striking segment highlighted how, before independence, weapons and equipment were produced for the Haganah in workshops beneath the Technion in Haifa, often outside regular hours, with many students and faculty involved. Notable accomplishments included graduates’ contributions to the development of the Iron Dome system, as well as pioneering advances in stem cell research and anti-cancer treatments.

Another film focused on diversity, showcasing students and graduates from across Israeli society. It showed how women studied at the Technion even before women in the United States had the right to vote; today, they make up around 45 per cent of students, reflecting a growing commitment to equality. One segment followed the Halevy family, of Yemenite background, spanning generations of Technion graduates, with four sisters shown later in life watching footage of their younger selves at the university and reflecting on how their education shaped their paths. The programme also featured the Technion’s pioneering initiative for ultra-Orthodox students, including the story of Dr Yehuda Sabiner, who rose from limited secular education to become a doctor while maintaining his Hasidic identity.

Musical performances continued throughout, with Israel Ernest delivering a powerful rendition of This Land Is Mine, accompanied by evocative visuals tracing Jewish history and migration. Noa Bodner brought both vocal strength and emotional depth, her harmonica-accompanied fusion of Hebrew and English adding a distinctive dimension; her performance of Jerusalem of Gold was particularly moving.

Comedian Mark Maier delivered witty, relatable observations on Jewish life, and the evening closed with a stirring ensemble performance of A New Day Will Rise. The audience then stood to sing along to both the British and Israeli national anthems.

Despite the attempts of the anti-Israel crowd outside, the evening was anything but shut down. Instead, it underscored a spirit that is not only enduring, but accelerating.