‘We just couldn’t delay when these families are coming out of such shock and pain’

The UK’s only independent mainstream Jewish 4-to-18 school has created a special fund to help with school fees and an accelerated admissions process for families rushing from Israel to the UK.

This week, Immanuel College Prep School already welcomed new British-Israeli pupils, ensuring the children have both practical aid, such as uniforms, as well as the pastoral and educational support they need during the crisis.

As part of the College’s Am Echad B’Lev Echad  programme – launched last week in support and solidarity with Israel – the school community has tirelessly devoted itself to study, prayer and acts of loving kindness.

Immanuel College’s deputy head (Jewish Life and Learning) Rabbi Yoni Golker said: ‘I am deeply proud Immanuel College is spearheading the Emergency Bursary Fund and offering places to Israeli-British families who need schooling during this time of conflict.

“This project reflects our Jewish values of unity, and of course, Torah, Jewish Education, Avodah, prayer and action, and loving kindness. We stand in solidarity with Israel: ‘Am Echad B’Lev Echad – One People With One Heart’!”

Mrs Alexis Gaffin, head of Immanuel College Prep School, said: “We just couldn’t delay when these families are coming out of such shock and pain.  By getting the children into school swiftly, we are bringing much needed normalcy to their lives.  Straight away the new British-Israeli pupils are playing happily with their new friends here at ICPS.’

The headmaster of Immanuel College, Dr Millan Sachania said: “We stand in solidarity with our extended “family” in Israel, and we are honoured, albeit in such distressing times, to make available our resources to those British-Israeli families in need.’”

Any British-Israeli families returning to the UK who need school places should contact the College’s Head of Admissions, Mrs Sarah Greenfield (sgreenfield@immanuelcollege.co.uk) to discuss their options and the process.