Philanthropic group to double first £100k at JW3 ‘Big Night In’ fundraiser
GPG said it would help the Jewish cultural centre in Finchley Road weather the financial storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic
A Jewish philanthropic foundation has said it will double the first £100,000 donated to London’s Jewish cultural centre JW3 in its ‘Big Night In’ fundraiser on Thursday.
Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG), which is already a big supporter of the Finchley Road institution, said it would help JW3 weather the financial storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic in recognition of its importance to Jewish life in the UK.
It is one of the first big interventions from GPG’s new chief executive Marina Yudborovsky, who recently took over after the unexpected death of her predecessor Ilia Salita in June.
“GPG is supporting the ‘Big Night In’ so that JW3 can continue to thrive in these difficult times and emerge from the pandemic strong and vibrant,” said Yudborovsky. “We recognise the vital importance of JW3 for the London and, especially in these virtual times, wider British Jewish community.
“By matching £100,000 in donations, we want to kickstart this fundraising effort and ensure JW3 is able to carry on providing an incredible range of meaningful and innovative opportunities for Jewish engagement in the UK.”
GPG funding already supports JW3’s Global Diaspora series, which brings together leading thinkers from across the Jewish world to discuss contemporary issues, as well as cultural events and celebrations for Jewish families living in the UK who do not speak English as a first language.
JW3 this week said the ‘Big Night In,’ hosted by Tracy-Ann Oberman, would be its “biggest ever event”, with confirmed stars including Mark Ronson, Boy George, Stephen Fry, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Jason Isaacs, Simon Callow, Shappi Khorsandi, Alex Edelman and Adam Kay.
JW3 chief executive Raymond Simonson described it as “a critical event” for the organisation. “All funds raised will make sure we can continue to serve the British Jewish community in the long-term.” He added: “We are immensely grateful to Genesis Philanthropy Group, a vital friend and partner.”
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